Changes at top of Turley

The Manchester-based planning consultancy has appointed Sir Michael Bear as its new chairman, while chief executive Rob Lucas has stepped down after 31 years with the company.

Following the departure of Lucas, Dave Trimingham, who was appointed in June 2016 as managing director, will lead Turley’s day-to-day operations and work with members of the senior leadership team on the development of the business.

Bear takes over the chairman position from Dr Nick Isbister, who was in the role for the past three years. Bear is a well-established figure in property and construction, and has held executive and non-executive positions at Hammerson and Arup. He was chief executive of the Spitalfields Development Group and most recently set up the Regeneration Investment Organisation at UKTI. Bear was knighted in 2012 for services to regeneration, charity and the City of London, where he served as Lord Mayor.

Lucas will retain a consultancy position. Isbister will also stay on in an advisory role for the rest of the year.

Lucas said: “Turley is one of my life’s works. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the company and its people grow into a leading UK planning and design consultancy. Such work is never finished and I am very pleased to welcome Sir Michael Bear to work alongside Dave Trimingham and with all our co-owners as we move into a new phase of development.”

Sir Michael Bear said: “I am joining Turley at a tremendously exciting time. Under Rob’s stewardship, it has become a leading national consultancy driven by a highly talented body of co-owners. My focus will be on positioning the business to take advantage of opportunities in a sector which will be so important to the growth of the UK, attracting attention both nationally and internationally.”