As the UK’s electric vehicle charging market matures, councils and charge point operators (CPOs) face a new challenge: how to best deal with existing ageing networks while ensuring future investment goes where it is needed most.
That question will be at the centre of a webinar hosted by strategic communications and engagement consultancy JBP Communications, in partnership with ChargeUK, Zapmap and Believ, on Friday 27 November 2026, from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Entitled Where should EV charging investment go next and how can it meet local needs, support growth and deliver a commercial return?, the online discussion will bring together representatives from the EV charging industry, local government and infrastructure planning to examine the commercial, political and practical decisions shaping the next phase of EV charging.
While expanding charging infrastructure remains an important priority, the discussion will explore how local authorities and operators can adopt a more strategic approach to investment, particularly as existing networks age, contracts approach their end and spatial development plans – which will coordinate housing, economic growth, infrastructure and environmental protection – are rolled out.
Three key themes will be explored:
- Making existing networks work better: How should councils and operators manage ageing public infrastructure, maintain reliable services and prepare for the future of existing charging contracts?
- Putting investment where it matters: How can charging intelligence and local demand data help identify commercially sustainable opportunities while ensuring provision meets community needs?
- Planning for tomorrow’s demand: How can EV infrastructure be better integrated into local and regional plans covering housing, regeneration, employment and economic development?
Chris Lawrance, Managing Director of JBP Communications, said:
“The debate around EV charging is changing. It is no longer simply about how many new charging points we can install. Increasingly, it is about where investment will have the greatest impact, how existing infrastructure is managed and whether commercial opportunities can be aligned with the needs of local communities.
“Local authorities are making decisions today that will influence development and infrastructure investment over the next 20 to 30 years. Charge point operators need to be part of those conversations from the outset, bringing their expertise, market intelligence and understanding of commercial viability to the table.
“This webinar is about bringing the public and private sectors together to explore how we can move beyond piecemeal investment towards a more joined-up, evidence-led approach to the future of EV charging.”
The discussion will be chaired by Mark Hawthorne, Director of JBP Local, the specialist local government communications and engagement division of JBP Communications.
Drawing on his extensive experience of local government leadership with Gloucestershire County Council, Hawthorne will explore how political priorities, economic development ambitions and commercial realities can be brought together to support better infrastructure decisions.
The panel will also include representatives from Believ, Zapmap and South Gloucestershire Council.
The webinar is aimed at charge point operators, councillors, council leaders, combined authorities and officers responsible for transport, infrastructure, planning, regeneration and economic development.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 9.30am–10.30am
Format: Online webinar
Host: JBP Communications
Event partners: ChargeUK, Zapmap and Believ