Collins heads new arrivals as Iceni boosts economics division

The multidisciplinary consultancy has appointed three new specialists in its Manchester office.

All three hires arrive from Savills.

Danny Collins, a director in the economics team, joins as head of English regions and Wales. With close to 20 years’ experience in development consultancy, and having led the Northern economics team at Savills for eight years, Collins brings a wealth of experience of major urban regeneration, economic strategy, and infrastructure projects nationwide.

As an advisor to the government’s Towns Fund delivery partnership, he has worked closely with local authorities and stakeholders on transformational growth strategies in locations including Newark, Kings Lynn, Runcorn, Workington, and Redcar.

As a business case and Green Book appraisal expert he has also helped public and private sector stakeholders secure over £450m of public funding via Levelling Up, Town Deal, Future High Streets and Housing Infrastructure funding.

Abi Rhodes previously worked for Savills and Aecom. Credit: Iceni

Also joining the economics team is Abi Rhodes, who arrives at associate director level with more than eight years of experience in economic consultancy, delivering business cases, masterplans, and economic strategies.

She has previously worked at Savills and Aecom and has recently led the economic visioning for regeneration schemes including the West Bromwich Masterplan and Runcorn Shopping City.

Rounding off the incoming trio, Maisie Curry joins as a senior economist, following roles at Savills and Warrington-headquartered development consultant Mickledore.

She has worked on a wide range of funding programmes, including the Levelling Up Fund, Towns Fund, and Long-Term Plan for Towns.

With a particular interest in town centre regeneration and heritage, Maisie will support projects across the North West and North Wales.

The appointments come as Iceni celebrates its 20th anniversary and announces its transition to an employee-owned business, as of 4 April this year.

Maisie Curry also joined from Savills. Credit: Iceni

Gary Mappin, regional director at Iceni, said: “These appointments add greater depth to our economics team and bolster our geographical reach. We are now even better placed to provide clients with a truly integrated and place-focused offer across the regions including North, Midlands and Wales.”

Iceni has five offices across the UK.

Collins said: “Reaching its 20th birthday milestone and transforming to an Employee Ownership Business, places our people at the heart of our growth plans.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Head of English Regions and Wales, and look forward to bringing together our multi-disciplinary services to support both public and private sector clients during challenging, but also exciting times.”