Biography

Claire Pearce

BSc MSc MRTPI MIED DipPA

Claire has over thirty years’ experience working across the public and private sectors in a diverse range of development roles: from strategic planning, local plans, development management, transport planning, economic development, consultancy to the leadership of LDOs and NSIPs – all with a key focus on place transformation, performance and delivery.

Formally Head of Strategic Planning and Transport at Somerset County Council, Chief Planning Officer for Sedgemoor District Council, leading the public sector response to Hinkley Point C, advisor on Sizewell C and Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Salamanca Group, leading Gravity smart campus development, securing the Tata/ Agratas gigafactory into the UK.

With a demonstrable track record in urban and rural locations, Claire has been able to create the conditions to attract investment, transform places and uplift opportunities for communities. From a strategic to a grassroots approach, the mission has always been to facilitate economic restructuring, improve individual well-being and elevate local resilience, security and sustainability.

Claire has established Real Growth Ltd a niche consultancy – energising and connecting people and places –to advise clients on project development and delivery with a specific ambition to create the conditions for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Real Growth provides bespoke, independent advisory services to unlock transformational projects from concept to delivery.

Currently engaged in Dorset through several commissions with a brief to shape and energise a programme of emerging NSIPs which will establish a new destination for international investment and launch a clean energy super cluster – aligned to accelerate and deliver the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Claire is also actively supporting the Office of Gideon Amos MP for Taunton and Wellington to attract investment and improve economic prospects and has recently contributed to a NIPA community benefits panel and Bristol Festival of Economics debate.

Claire is considered 'Carbon Literate'
by the Carbon Literacy Trust

Awarded the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Leader of the Year in 2024. IED Director Bev Hurley CBE said: “Our judges praised Claire for her dedication, pioneering spirit, and ultimately ability to transform a previously abandoned site into a hub for new technologies and inclusive employment opportunities. They highlighted her transformational leadership, supported by a clear vision, strategic implementation, and the delivery of measurable outcomes.” You can read the full article here (opens in a new page)

The judges noted “Claire’s tenacity, knowledge, and strong communication skills, which were crucial for unlocking significant economic potential. They also noted… her impressive career achievements, particularly in overcoming challenges with courage and technical expertise on large-scale projects over time.”

RTPI award winner and woman of influence, carbon literate accreditation, Governor of Bridgwater and Taunton College, Mentor, Member of the National Trust and the Back British Farming campaign.