Culture, Heritage, Communities and Local Economies

The Cultural Engine

Providing expert and friendly support for organisations making a difference in their communities and improving local economies.

We partner with Local Authorities, Government Agencies, Universities, Trusts, Charities and other Community or Social Organisations by providing capacity and knowledge to:

  • Identify & secure funding.
  • Develop, manage & deliver projects.
  • Write relevant & deliverable strategies.
  • Support business planning & operational development.
  • Nurturing excellent cross-sector partnerships.
  • Undertake research.
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Our Services

In order to complete a successful project there are a number of different skillsets that are important to make a successful proposal become a reality. We are well skilled in a number of fields and can help you in a number of ways to reach your goals with a wide range of skillsets.

Bid Writing and Fundraising Strategies

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Project Development and Management

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Strategy Development

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Research

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Case Studies

Martello Tower ‘P’ Options Appraisal

Following the restoration of Martello Tower ‘P’ in Felixstowe, Suffolk Coastal District Council commissioned the Cultural Engine to undertake an options appraisal to find a use which covered the buildings…

Coastal Community Funding

Working for Southend on Sea Borough Council, developing and writing a Coastal Community Fund bid to secure £1.3m to develop a range of measures which improve the coastal tourism offer…

Southend Cycle Hub

Working with Sustainable Motion CIC and Southend Borough Council to develop a business case to secure Local Sustainable Transport Funding for a new Cycle Hub at Southend Central Station.

Latest from the News/Blog

Sustainable Uttlesford Workshops @Essex University 14-15th Sept 2026

Giles Tofield | September 16, 2026

PROGRAMME Venue: Lakeview Room, University of Essex DAY 1: MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 10.15am – 10.45amRegistration & Refreshments 10.45am – 11.05amIntroduction: Framing the Mezzolevel as an Organisational Principle: Theory and PracticeTony Sampson (EBS, GERG) and Giles Tofield (CERG) 11.05am – 11.30am (NEW 15-MINUTE SESSION)Current State: Net Zero & Community Energy: Chaired by Vicky Reed (UDC) and…

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CERG “Mezzo” and Imaginarium Research Reaches Parliament

Giles Tofield | September 16, 2026

CERG and Essex Business School academic Dr Tony Sampson has taken CERG research on communities and environmental policy to Parliament. His article exploring imagination in place-based policymaking has been published in a Key Cities Innovation Network compendium and Dr Sampson attended the launch event at the House of Commons to present his ideas to MPs…

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WILD EAST LONDON IMAGINARIUM

Tony Sampson | July 2, 2026

Full Programme: Full programme for Saturday’s Wild East London Imaginarium in Stratford WILD EAST LONDON IMAGINARIUM PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026 · 12 – 5PM 12.00pm Room G.17, USS Campus, Stratford · University of East London, E15 1NF 12pm Welcome to the Wild East London Imaginarium 12.15pm Keynote Ken Worpole 1.00pm Panel…

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Get in Touch

Whatever your requirement, you can be assured that we are here to help.