PWA promotes Leyland to director

Having joined the planning consultancy in 2016, Louise Leyland will now take up a role as a key cog in the firm’s executive management team.

Leyland has spent nine years at PWA, joining as a senior planner before a quick promotion in 2017 to associate.

Within her role as director, Leyland will oversee major projects and contribute to the operational running of PWA Planning from the firm’s Manchester office.

Leyland said: “Over the past nine years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop personally and professionally, working alongside our amazing team for a great group of clients and delivering exciting projects across the UK.

“As we continue to grow, I’m committed to helping our team to deliver the expert planning advice and quality service that PWA is known for.”

Before joining PWA in 2016, Leyland worked as an environmental planner for Stephenson Halliday for nearly four years.

Paul Walton, director, PWA Planning, said: “Louise’s drive, strategic thinking, and natural leadership have delivered fantastic results for clients and played a key role in shaping our growth trajectory, particularly in the renewable energy and housing arenas.

“The last 18 months have been marked by major milestones for the company, including the launch of our Manchester office and becoming part of a national network of property and land advisory businesses following our successful acquisition of National Farmers Union’s commercial services division.”

NFU Holdings, the National Farmers Union’s commercial services arm, acquired PWA Planning in spring 2024, while in April this year, the firm opened up its first Manchester office in Castlefield.

Walton added: “Louise has been instrumental in ensuring continuity throughout, and her leadership and technical knowledge will be vital as we continue to grow.”