Julian Bell Consulting Ltd logo
REF: JBC/2026/00147 ERECTED: 22 JUL 2026

Access, judgement, and follow-through in local government.

Eleven years as Leader of Ealing Council and a former Transport for London board member. Independent advice and introductions across planning, transport, technology, social care, and regional growth — wherever the right conversation with a council, health partner, or regional body needs to happen.

Applicant

About Julian

Julian spent eleven years as Leader of Ealing Council — the 4th largest London borough — and served on the board of Transport for London, chaired London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee for six years, and chaired the LGA's Commercial Advisory Board. Before that, he spent nearly two decades in parliamentary roles across four MPs' offices and three decades organising within the Labour Party, building deep, trusted networks across Westminster, London government, and the wider Labour movement. He held the regeneration and planning portfolio through most of his time as Leader, delivering major regeneration across Ealing, Acton, Greenford and Southall. He knows how councils actually reach decisions — not just how the process is written down, but how it plays out in committee rooms, in officer reports, and in the relationships between them.

That experience now works both ways: helping organisations get a credible hearing with councils, regional bodies, and government, and helping councils and community groups get sound advice on planning, governance, and safeguarding.

Julian Bell signature
Julian Bell
11 YRS — LEADER, EALING COUNCIL FORMER TFL BOARD MEMBER FORMER CHAIR, LONDON COUNCILS TEC FORMER CHAIR, LGA COMMERCIAL ADVISORY BOARD 2 DECADES — WESTMINSTER & PARLIAMENTARY 3 DECADES — LABOUR PARTY NETWORKS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CHILDREN'S SERVICES & SAFEGUARDING
On the record

In the room

Julian Bell with former Labour leader Neil Kinnock
With former Labour leader Neil Kinnock
Julian Bell interviewed by BBC London as Labour Leader, Ealing Council
Interviewed by BBC London as Leader of Ealing Council
Julian Bell cycling with Oliver Coppard, now Mayor of South Yorkshire
Cycling with Oliver Coppard, now Mayor of South Yorkshire
Julian Bell with Rachel Reeves, former Chancellor of the Exchequer
With Rachel Reeves, former Chancellor of the Exchequer
Julian Bell with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Defence
With Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Defence
Proposal

Services

One practice, four areas — all built on the same skill: knowing how local government actually works, and who to talk to.

CORE SERVICE

Stakeholder Introductions & Public Affairs

Connecting organisations across planning, transport, technology, and care with councils, transport bodies, and regional bodies nationally — drawing on three decades of local and national government relationships, from London Councils to Transport for Greater Manchester.

ADVISORY

Planning & Development Advice

Guiding applications, enforcement matters, and strategy through the planning system, for developers, faith groups, and community organisations.

ADVISORY

Adult & Children's Social Care Advisory

Supporting domiciliary care providers engaging with councils, health partners, and the West London Alliance, alongside safeguarding advisory for children's care providers.

ADVISORY

Regional Growth & Investment Advisory

Advising investors on regional infrastructure and growth opportunities across London, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and other regions, drawing on senior regional political contacts.

ADVISORY

Local Government Strategy

Governance, decision-making structures, and strategic advice for councils and the organisations working alongside them.

Some introductions work is subject to existing exclusivity commitments in the micro-mobility and AI sectors — get in touch to check current availability for your organisation.

Status

How an engagement runs

Whether it's a planning matter or a round of introductions to boroughs, the shape of the work is the same.

01 / ENQUIRY

Initial enquiry

A short call or email to understand the situation and whether it's a good fit.

02 / SCOPING

Scoping conversation

What's at stake, which councils or stakeholders matter, and what a good outcome looks like.

03 / ENGAGEMENT

Active advisory work

Direct, hands-on advice and introductions — committee processes, enforcement, borough meetings, or strategy.

04 / OUTCOME

Decision & follow-through

Support through to a resolution or a live relationship with the right people, with a clear-eyed view on what happens next.

Consultees

Who this is for

Transport & mobility operators

Introductions to London Councils and individual boroughs for new services entering the market.

Technology companies

Founder-level introductions to boroughs and councils across the country.

Developers & faith groups

Practical guidance through planning applications and enforcement processes.

Social care providers

Adult domiciliary and children's care providers navigating councils, health partners, and regional alliances.

Investors

Regional infrastructure and growth opportunities, introduced through senior regional contacts.

Councils & public bodies

Governance, strategy, and safeguarding advice grounded in direct council experience.

Consultation Period

Get in touch

Every enquiry gets a proper reply, not a form letter.

Phone
07903 424905
Based in
Acton, West London
LinkedIn
Email Julian