Iceni acquires RJP town planners
Growing the multi-disciplinary consultancy’s Manchester presence, Ruth Jackson has been appointed as a director of planning, while Marc Zablotny and Tillie Baker have become associates at Iceni Projects.
RJP town planners was founded by Jackson in 2011 and specialised in complex transport-oriented development and infrastructure projects.
Iceni’s acquisition of RJP enhances the company’s offer on renewables and national infrastructure project advisory, as well as providing it a stronger presence in the North.
Ian Anderson, chief executive of Iceni, said the London-headquartered company was “very clear” about why it acquired RJP.
“It’s about strengthening the business with good people who add real capability,” Anderson said.
“Ruth, Marc and Tillie bring experience that directly supports where Iceni is heading, particularly around transport-oriented development and energy, and they do it in a way that fits how we work. This is a practical, commercial step that makes the business stronger.”
Jackson elaborated on why she had chosen to join her company with Iceni’s.
“I set up RJP to build a smart team and provide flexible, responsive planning advice on complex projects,” she said.
“Becoming part of the Iceni tribe brings us into a community of some of the UK’s best development professionals and allows us to keep our ethos while giving our clients access to a greater pool of expertise. It feels like a positive and natural evolution for our team.”
Jackson, Zablotny, and Baker are based out of Iceni’s Manchester office, which is currently home to 13 staff.
Employee-owned since last April, Iceni boasts 194 staff members across its five offices, including bases in Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
In addition to planning services, Iceni also has expertise in archaeology, stakeholder engagement, masterplanning and urban design, economics, heritage, trainsport, landcape, sustainable development, EIA management, and DCO applications.
Recent North West projects for Iceni include Lovell Strategic Land’s plans for 500 homes at Lostock Hall Farm, the redevelopment of Russell Scott Primary School in Denton, and Tritax Big Box REIT’s £230m ILP North.
