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Listing in the Directory

FAQs aim to answer questions in plain English to ensure clarity, but for any final legal explanations, please refer to the Providers Terms and Conditions.
About the Directory

What is the Digital Planning Directory?

The Digital Planning Directory is a one-stop shop for state-of-the-art digital planning services. Seed-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), it is delivered and managed by the Digital Task Force for Planning, an innovation-led not-for-profit organisation.

The Directory includes providers offering innovative digital services to support and enhance planning, development, management and engagement processes. Serving as a comprehensive and user-friendly online resource for digital planning tools, services, and platforms, it is designed to meet the diverse needs of all public and private sector stakeholders in planning.

It contains essential information about digital planning service providers, including their areas of expertise, services, case studies, and contact details. The Directory offers search and filtering functions to facilitate the discovery of tools and expertise that meet specific needs and objectives.

What is the purpose of the Digital Planning Directory?

The objective of the Directory is to enhance transparency and knowledge-sharing in the digital planning market, promote fair competition, and facilitate informed decision-making for those looking to adopt and use digital planning tools and services.

It seeks to foster the development of a comprehensive ecosystem that supports and advances digital planning initiatives, stimulating innovation in the sector in the UK.

It aims to bridge technical gaps by breaking down barriers between digital planning and mainstream planning practices, facilitating smoother integration and understanding.

Is the Digital Planning Directory trying to consolidate or shape the PropTech marketplace?

No. The idea behind the Directory is simply to make it easier for organisations to identify reputable service suppliers in the digital planning industry. Digital Planning Directory is a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for state-of-the-art digital planning services.

What benefits can we get from listing in the Directory?

Listing in the Directory provides numerous benefits, including:

Increased Visibility: Gain exposure to potential clients and investors and enhance your company’s credibility.

Showcase Services: Highlight your services and case studies to a targeted audience through your company profile.

Enhanced Credibility: Build trust with potential clients and investors by being recognised as a validated digital service provider.

Support for Innovation: Contribute to and benefit from the Task Force’s mission to promote digital innovation and integration in planning.

Enhanced Impact: Amplify the sector’s voice in key consultations and strengthen overall impact by effectively communicating initiatives and successes.

Sector Promotion: Benefit from events and initiatives that promote the digital planning sector. All registered companies in the Directory will be informed about events organised by the Digital Task Force for Planning and its partners.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with key stakeholders, other digital planning companies, and potential partners and investors.

By listing in the Directory, you contribute to the growth and development of the entire digital planning sector while reaping these significant benefits.

Who uses the Directory?

The Directory provides a platform for small and emerging digital planning service providers, large and established digital planning companies, and startups.

It is used by a diverse range of audiences, including public and private sector planning professionals with varying levels of digital knowledge, as well as procurement and IT managers. The Directory will also attract attention from policymakers, venture capitalists, planning and urban design consultancies, real estate developers and managers, housing associations, students, and academia.

Additionally, planning lawyers, community organisations, industry associations, and media and press professionals can benefit from the resources provided in the Directory.

Will it ever be mandatory to join the Digital Planning Directory?

Joining the Digital Planning Directory is voluntary at this stage. However, we warmly welcome digital service providers to join the Directory to help create a ‘One Stop Shop’ for state-of-the-art digital planning solutions.

Eligibility

Who can be listed in the Digital Planning Directory?

To be listed in the Directory, providers must have a valid legal status and possess relevant digital expertise in the service areas covered by the Directory.

Legal Status

The following are eligible for listing in the Directory:

  • A legal entity (such as a private limited company or LLP) legally registered with Companies House in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Scotland.
  • Or a legal entity registered in another country and operating in the UK with at least one UK office and a minimum of three completed or ongoing digital planning projects in the UK.

Note:

  • Companies (or other legal entities) without a UK base and with fewer than three UK projects are not eligible to be listed in the Directory at this stage.
  • The first-year free entry for the first 150 businesses registered by 31 March 2025 is exclusively available to UK legal entities registered at UK Companies House.
  • References in the Directory and these FAQs to “companies” includes the other kinds of legal entities which are eligible through their legal status as specified above.

 

Relevance and Expertise:

Providers eligible for listing in the Directory must demonstrate that their innovative digital solutions fall within at least one of the following service areas:

  • Community Engagement: Facilitating public participation, community consultation, stakeholder engagement (including gamifications), and statutory consultation reporting.
  • Visualisation,3D Modelling, and Animations: Creating digital visual representations, including 2D illustrations, 3D models, and animations of urban environments and development proposals.
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping: Collecting, presenting, managing, and analysing data spatially.
  • Environmental and Sustainability Services: Evaluating, managing, monitoring, and optimising environmental and sustainability metrics, including scenario design and simulation.
  • Planning and Urban Design Services: Description: Innovative digital solutions for town and country planning and urban design, integrating planning, design, and analytical components to optimise living environments and create efficiencies in placemaking processes.
  • Land Search and Assessment: Description: Identifying, evaluating, and analysing land for development opportunities, including viability assessments and options analyses.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software Solutions: AI and software development services tailored for urban planning and management.
  • Plan-making, Planning Application and Data Management Systems: Managing plan-making and planning application processes and data, including data standardisation, development management solutions, workflow management and regulatory compliance.
  • Organisational Digital Transformation: Transforming organisational processes through digital solutions, including strategy and implementation.
  • Digital Twins: Creating and managing digital replicas of physical assets and environments, enhancing real-time monitoring and simulation.

 

A maximum of five of the most relevant categories service areas can be selected by each company.

Who is qualified for the initial 1-year (2025) free listing period?

The initial 1-year free listing period (starting from the expected launch date in January 2025) is available to the first 150 qualified companies registered at UK Companies House (including qualified registered legal entities registered in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland but excluding companies registered in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or British Overseas Territories, such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands) that complete all three validation steps and are fully registered in the Directory by 11:59pm on 31st March 2025.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Digital Task Force for Planning retain the final authority to interpret and clarify the terms and conditions for awarding the free listing period to qualified companies.

Subscription & registration

How can I submit my company for listing in the Directory?

Qualified providers can submit their business information by registering an account and undergoing the validation process for listings in the Digital Planning Directory. The validation process is carried out by the Digital Task Force for Planning and involves the following three steps:

Step 1 – Initial Review: Our team conducts an initial review to ensure that the business meets the listing criteria. After a business registers an account, they will be asked to submit a short summary (max 200 words) to introduce their services, along with supporting information, which will not be shown publicly.

Required Information:

  • Company registered name
  • Company registration number
  • Company registered address
  • Year of registration
  • Company website

(or the equivalent for other registered legal entities such as LLPs.)

Once complete, please click ‘Send for review’. These registration details will be sent to the Task Force for verification through official sources, such as Companies House for UK companies and other entities, and government databases for companies in other countries. If deemed necessary, the Task Force will require supplementary legal certificates from the company to verify the information. These documents may include a certificate of incorporation, proof of address, and other relevant business and project information.

 

Step 2 – Full Account Setup: Approved providers can enter the company subscription payment details and then access the full provider public profile and case study setup pages.

Step 2.1 – Company subscription: Approved providers are required to provide card payment details at this step.

Providers eligible for the initial 1-year free listing period in 2025 will be charged for the first time either on 15 January 2026 or on the first anniversary of their subscription date. Subsequent charges will occur annually on the same date.

All other providers will be charged immediately upon subscription, with subsequent charges occurring annually on the same date.

Step 2.2 – Provider public profile input: Providers can then access the full provider public profile to add detailed company information.

Information can be saved as a draft by clicking ‘Save changes’ during the input stage and will not be visible to the Task Force. Once the entire public profile is completed, please click ‘Send for review’ at the top of the public profile section to submit it to the Task Force for formal review. During the review process, a status icon will display ‘In Review’ to indicate the progress. Once the review is approved, it will show as ‘Complete’.

If you wish to revise your public profile information, you will need to submit the revised details for review again, which will trigger the ‘In Review’ process once more. Please ensure you submit for review only when you are satisfied with all the information to avoid unnecessary delays for both you and the Task Force administration.

Step 2.3 – Provider case study input (optional): Provider case study input: Providers have access to a case study template that includes key project information for each case study.

To ensure fairness, each company can display up to three case studies on its public profile by selecting the checkbox next to the case study name. However, you can create as many case studies as you like in your company dashboard and select different ones to display based on your needs.

Each case study follows a similar ‘Send for review’ process as the company public profile information.

 

Step 3 – Full Content and Compliance Check:

  • Content Check: Once the provider’s public profile and case studies are submitted for review, the Task Force will assess their relevance and appropriateness.
  • Compliance Check: The Task Force ensures that the listing complies with the Directory’s Terms and Conditions.
  • Technical Validation: All provided links (websites, etc.) are checked by the Task Force to ensure they are functional and lead to the correct destinations.

Once all checks are completed satisfactorily, the listing is approved and will be published in the Directory. Once all checks are completed satisfactorily, the listing is approved and published in the Directory. The listing status will be shown as ‘Profile is live’ at the top of the Provider Dashboard.

Our Validation Process helps maintain the quality of the Directory. If you have any further questions about the validation process, please feel free to Contact Us.

Can I register my company on the directory multiple times for different products?

No. The Digital Planning Directory is set up to receive one registration per company. You can reflect your various products under one company name.

Is there a cost associated with being listed in the Directory?

Yes, listing in the Directory requires an annual subscription fee. The Digital Task Force for Planning is a not-for-profit organisation, and the fees will be used to run the Directory and enhance its functions and activities, engaging Digital Planning service providers with the wider sector.

Since the Directory is seed-funded by the UK Government, the first 150 qualified UK-registered companies (including companies registered in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) that are fully registered (i.e., have completed all three validation steps) by 11:50pm on 31 March 2025 will receive a one-year free entry. Their first annual charge of £850 + VAT will be automatically applied on 15 January 2026 or on the first anniversary of their subscription date.

A standard annual fee of £850 + VAT will be charged immediately upon subscription for all newly listed companies after 1 April 2025, with subsequent charges occurring annually on the same date.

To foster innovation, the Directory will always provide new UK digital planning startups with complimentary entry for their first year of operation if they are registered with the Directory within 365 days of their incorporation date. An annual charge will be applied on the first anniversary of their registration with the Directory.

Annual rates will be subject to increase in line with inflation each year, and the Task Force may adjust fees beyond the inflation rate as needed. A reminder for annual renewal will be sent one month in advance to ensure that companies are aware of any changes in fees. You can choose not to renew your listing or withdraw your subscription at any time but fees already paid cannot be refunded.

Can I withdraw our subscription?

Yes, you can withdraw your subscription at any time. After that, your annual automatic fee subscription will be cancelled. You can choose to continue displaying your public profile until the last day of your subscription’s valid period or stop displaying it immediately. The fees already paid cannot be refunded.

What if our annual renewal didn’t go through?

If your annual renewal payment doesn’t go through due to an expired card or other reasons, you will be notified immediately. You will have a grace period of 30 calendar days to resolve the payment issue. If the payment is not received within this period, your public profile may be temporarily suspended until the renewal fee is successfully processed. If you haven’t contacted us after a full calendar year, we reserve the right to permanently remove your registration details from our server.

Do I get a reminder before the annual renewal?

Yes, you will receive a reminder to your registered company email 30 days before your annual renewal is due. This notification will help ensure that your payment information is up to date and that your subscription continues without interruption.

Where can I obtain VAT invoices for the subscription?

VAT invoices for your subscription can be obtained through your company dashboard on the Directory’s website. Once logged in, navigate to the billing section, where you can view and download your VAT invoices for all transactions.

Public profile

Can one service provider be listed in multiple categories?

Yes, each company can select up to five of the most relevant service area categories. Please ensure that only the most appropriate categories are chosen to avoid delays in approval.

What information is included in my company public profile?

Your company’s public profile will include essential information such as the company name, logo, services offered, company description, location, and website link, as well as contact information. Additionally, it may include optional information such as products, industry recognition, videos or images, pricing information, case studies and testimonials.

Permission should be obtained from the relevant parties, whether they are organisations or individuals, before being included in case studies or testimonials.

Based on the Task Force’s comprehensive User Experience (UX) research, tips will be provided on how to write introductions and case studies to effectively communicate with Directory users.

What information is included in our case studies and how are they displayed?

The case studies template includes key information of the project, an overview of the project, the challenges faced, the solutions provided, and the results achieved. You may include any relevant metrics or client testimonials. This information helps illustrate your expertise and the impact of your work.

To ensure fairness, each company can display up to three case studies on your public profile. However, you can create as many case studies as you like in your company dashboard and select different ones to be displayed based on your needs.

Case studies should not include personal data unless approval is obtained from the relevant parties.

There is a dedicated case study page in the Directory that collects all case studies. The Task Force will regularly promote a cluster of themed case studies through our social media channels to highlight best practices in the sector.

Does our submission need to include all information (video, case studies, etc.) in our profiles, or can it be submitted at a later date?

You are only required to submit the mandatory information listed in the Directory for your listing. Optional information, such as videos, case studies, and testimonials, does not need to be included in your initial submission but can be added at a later date if desired. Please note that any updates will require reapproval.

How often can we update our entry?

Once your company is fully registered (i.e., has completed all three validation steps), you can update your entry as often as needed. We encourage you to keep your information current, especially if there are changes to your services, contact details, or case studies.

Company profiles and case studies can be updated directly through your company account. Once you are satisfied with your updates and have saved all changes, please click ‘Send for review’. The information will then be submitted for review by the Task Force. Upon approval, your public profile on the Directory will be automatically updated.

Directory Listings and Promotion

Can I share that my company is listed in the Digital Planning Directory?

Absolutely! We encourage you to share the news about your listing through your own channels and social media. It’s a great way to highlight your company’s presence in the Directory!

How should I promote my listing?

Feel free to use your website, newsletters, and social media to share your listing. We’ll also provide marketing assets and guidance to help you spread the word effectively.

Does being listed in the Digital Planning Directory mean my company is formally endorsed by MHCLG or the Digital Task Force for Planning?

No, a listing in the Directory does not constitute formal endorsement of your company, services, or products by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) or the Digital Task Force for Planning.

Can I use MHCLG or Digital Task Force for Planning logos to promote my listing?

No, our logos must not be used without prior written agreement. Unauthorised use may lead to the removal of your listing from the Directory.

Are there any guidelines I need to follow when promoting my listing?

Yes, please make sure your wording and visuals don’t suggest that your company is formally endorsed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) or the Digital Task Force for Planning. Additionally, MHCLG and Task Force logos cannot be used without prior written permission.

Other

What if we lose our password?

If you lose your password, you can reset it by clicking the Forgot Password link on the login page. Follow the instructions provided in the email you receive to create a new password.

What if we change our contact person details, such as email?

If your contact person details change, please notify us as soon as possible. You can update this information through your account settings or by Contacting Us for assistance.

What if we change our company name?

If your company name changes, please inform us immediately so we can update your listing accordingly. You can submit the new name through your account settings or Contact Us.

What if we join or are bought by another company?

If your company is acquired or merges with another company, please Contact Us. We can assist you in updating your listing to reflect the new company structure and ensure continuity in your Directory presence.

How can I contact the Directory for further inquiries not covered in the FAQs?

For additional questions or support, companies can contact the Directory’s support team through the Contact Us page.

For providers

Interested in listing your services?

The Digital Planning Directory is a comprehensive and user-friendly online resource for listing digital planning providers, designed to meet the diverse needs of both public and private sector stakeholders in planning.
  • Enhanced visibility & credibility
  • Support for innovation and digital advancement
  • Networking with stakeholders and partners

An innovation-led social enterprise

The directory is brought to you by the Digital Task Force for Planning, a not-for-profit organisation. Our ambition is to promote digital integration and advancement in Spatial Planning to tackle the grand challenges in the 21st Century.
Brought to you by:
Seed funded by: