Planning adviser hires GVA duo

Expanding planning consultancy Steven Abbott Associates has recruited two members of GVA Grimley's Manchester planning team.

Jonathan Smith, previously a partner at GVA Grimley, and Keith Jones, a senior planner, bring particular expertise in retail planning; already a key sector for SAA counting Booths and Maple Grove Developments as long-standing clients.

Prior to joining GVA Grimley, both Smith and Jones worked with Savills' planning development consultancy team, where Smith held a director role. Before that, Smith was director and head of office at Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners and MVM Planning.

Steven Abbott said: "Jonathan and Keith's appointments are a coup for the practice, allowing us to offer a wider range of services and provide analytical and retail assessment expertise in-house. 2008 is already proving to be a busy year, with a number of our clients moving forward with major new schemes. We have further expansion plans in the pipeline and look forward to making further announcements soon."

The duo's move to Steven Abbott Associates follows another successful year for the practice, which saw the expansion of its Wigan head offices in Appley Bridge and the relocation of its serviced facilities to the refurbished Peter House in Manchester city centre.