About Emma Waterfall

Emma Waterfall is the founder and director of Cascade Communications, a specialist communications agency that provides a range of services to clients in property, planning, development and construction. Based in Soho, the business has earned a well-respected reputation for delivering results on high profile and complex development projects in London and the south-east. Prior to setting up Cascade, Emma had more than a decade of experience advising clients on public affairs, strategic communications, and stakeholder and community engagement.

Since starting Cascade, Emma has worked on many exciting and challenging projects. One of Cascade’s first projects was to advise on community engagement, local political engagement and construction communications regarding Battersea Power Station's next phases of development. The team has also been involved in stakeholder and community engagement during the planning stages for each of the detailed design phases.

One of the more challenging projects Emma worked on in her early career is Strata, a residential tower located in Elephant & Castle, distinguishable by its wind turbines. The biggest obstacle with this project was winning the support of the local community, many of whom felt disenfranchised from their neighbourhood and that frustrated that no one was listening to them. Emma worked closely with the nearest neighbours to identify benefits that the scheme could bring to the wider community in order to gain their support; permission was granted at a challenging time, just a few weeks prior to local elections.

Before establishing her business, Emma's skills and knowledge were honed in various roles with reputable communications companies. She also served as a governor of a local primary school in Battersea for 3 years before setting up Cascade.

Emma has a master's degree in Politics from UCL (University College London), and an undergraduate degree in Politics from Cardiff University. While at Cardiff she participated in the university's rowing club and in her final year even gained an opportunity to represent Wales at international competitions.

Outside of work, Emma is an avid runner and cyclist. She has run over 30 marathons and ultra-marathons, including a 150-mile footrace across the Sahara Desert (Marathon des Sables), and cycled more than 1,400 kilometres from London to Cannes for charity. Her favourite athletes include Paula Radcliffe, Eliud Kipchoge, Mo Farah and Usain Bolt.