About
The Pearl Yard
Development
Delivering real benefits for Bermondsey through S106 planning obligations
Planning
What are S106 Obligations?
Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers. They are linked to planning permissions and designed to ensure that developments contribute positively to the local community.
For the Pearl Yard development, the S106 agreement includes significant employment and skills commitments requiring the developer and contractors to provide jobs, apprenticeships, training and community engagement for Southwark residents.
These obligations are monitored by Southwark Council to ensure commitments are met and local people genuinely benefit.
Purpose
Our Mission
Opportunity Platform exists to bridge the gap between S106 planning commitments and real outcomes for local people. We make it easy for residents to discover and access employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities created by the Pearl Yard development.
We also support employers and training providers to meet their obligations by connecting them directly with the Bermondsey community. Every commitment made through planning should translate into meaningful opportunities.
People
The Team
A dedicated team of specialists driving social value through employment, skills and community engagement.
Tom Storey
Founder
Leads stakeholder strategy, planning alignment, and developer relationships. Deep expertise in S106 compliance and social value delivery.
Gemma Griffiths
Engagement Specialist
Background in teaching and curriculum leadership. Designs community engagement programmes connecting developers with local stakeholders.
Oliver Blake
Project Manager
Data-driven project tracking and reporting frameworks. Creates compliance dashboards and real-time impact measurement.
Ryan Brown
Business Development
Connects with property leaders on development impact. Builds partnerships and aligns commercial ambitions with community outcomes.
Jonothan Mazewski
Communications
Produces impact reports, data visualisations, and multimedia content. Handles community updates and investor communications.
Arthur Hopley
Financial Analysis
Financial modelling, risk assessment, and performance dashboards. Analyses long-term financial sustainability of programmes.
Endorsements
Client Endorsements
“Storey Consulting’s ability to create strategy with stakeholders and design approaches that reflect genuine need, supporting innovation and strengthening community relationships.”
Paul Flexney-Briscoe
Sellar
“Their ability to embed best practice around employment and skills, well-being, and digital skills into projects, reflecting local needs and attracting investment.”
Damon Brown
Legal & General
How It Works
The Delivery Model
A replicable partnership model connecting developers, councils, and communities
Strategy
Storey Consulting designs the S106 employment and skills strategy for each development
Platform
Opportunity Platform lists opportunities, matches candidates, and tracks compliance in real time
Delivery
Local delivery partners provide resident-facing support: pre-employment training, mentoring, and welfare advice
Evidence
Developers get a single compliance dashboard. Councils get auditable evidence of outcomes
Delivery Partner
Big Local Works
Big Local Works is a Bermondsey-based charity (No: 1182561) and the on-the-ground delivery partner for the Opportunity Platform. Founded in 2017 as a legacy of the Big Local South Bermondsey Partnership, they provide the resident-facing support that turns platform listings into real outcomes.
- Free 1-to-1 job search support and mentoring (16+)
- Pre-employment courses run in partnership with Greystar / Pearl Yard
- Future Forward programme: youth employment for NEET 16-30 year-olds
- Enterprise support and market stall placements with Southwark Council
- Welfare and benefits advice including tribunal representation
4 Market Place, Bermondsey, London SE16 3UQ • biglocalworks.org.uk
Pearl Yard Results
Impact to Date
107
Residents employed
27
Apprenticeships
19
Short courses delivered
407
Local jobs target
~1,200
Peak construction jobs
~1,290
Permanent commercial jobs
Commitments
Key S106 Obligations
- Minimum 50 local employment opportunities during the construction phase
- 15 apprenticeship placements across a range of trades
- Pre-employment training programmes for Southwark residents
- School engagement activities with local secondary schools
- Work placement opportunities for residents furthest from the job market
- End-use employment opportunities prioritised for local residents
- Regular community engagement events throughout the development
- Supply chain opportunities for local small businesses
Our Community
Get Involved
Whether you are a resident, an employer or a training provider — we would love to connect with you.