NFU Holdings acquires PWA

The Preston-based planning group is now under the commercial services arm of the National Farmers Union.

PWA’s founders Paul and Stella Walton will continue as directors, with Paul also carrying on the managing director role.

Founded more than a decade ago, the business provides a range of planning and land advisory services to the housing, commercial and industrial, sports and leisure, and energy sectors. It has 18 staff working on projects across the UK.

The acquisition will mean ‘business as usual’ for PWA’s staff and clients with the company remaining headquartered in Preston, and the firm still operating as PWA Planning.

Paul Walton said: “This is great news for our clients, staff and the many consultants and advisors we work with because it gives our business firm foundations on which to build for the future.

“While our ownership structure may have changed, it’s very much business as usual. On a day-to-day level our clients won’t notice any changes as we’re still the same team, we’re keeping the same name, and we’ll continue supporting our clients with their projects across all our chosen sectors.

“Coming under the NFU umbrella allows us to benefit from additional resources and expertise, which allows us to add extra value to our present and future clients.”

Ken Sutherland, NFU commercial and investment director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome PWA to the NFU family. The acquisition is in line with our plans to grow a national consulting business focussed on all aspects of land use.

“PWA’s sector expertise, in particular its residential and energy specialisms, together with its experience advising on a wide range of land diversification projects, also means that it is a perfect fit with our other businesses, such as NFU Energy.”

Current PWA clients include Booths, Asda, Story Homes, Onward Homes, Tilia Homes, Community Gateway Association, Jigsaw Homes, EG Group, Amber Taverns, Harmony Energy, and Parkwood Leisure.