Steven Abbott Associates LLP makes positive move
North west planning consultancy, Steven Abbott Associates LLP (SAA) has strengthened its affiliation with Greenbank Partnerships following the appointment of former SAA Partner Jonathan Smith to Development Director at the Wigan-based Developer.
Jonathan has maintained a longstanding relationship with Greenbank advising the company on a series of high profile projects, including Leigh Sports Village. His move client-side is seen as an opportunity for both parties to take the relationship forward. Jonathan will continue to work closely with SAA as a Consultant to the Practice, as well as liaising with the newly assigned SAA team on Greenbank’s behalf.
Said SAA’s Founding Partner, Steven Abbott: “While we’re sorry to lose Jonathan as Partner, we naturally respect his decision and believe it will be a mutually beneficial move. As well as continuing to gain from Jonathan’s valuable input on a consultancy basis we’re enthused by the opportunity to grow an already successful partnership. “
In light of Jonathan’s leaving we’ve made some structural changes to ensure we have the right resource fit in terms of experience and skill set. At SAA we have a great team – many of whom have specialist knowledge in specific areas – which can now be brought to the fore.”
In-line with the Practice’s current focus on exploiting its expertise within the retail sector, Keith Jones has been promoted to Partner and former Development Planning Partnership (DPP) employee, Paul Lester appointed as Associate.
Keith joined the team in January 2008 and has since advised on a number of major planning applications involving supermarkets and retail parks, including Aldi and Booths. He has worked with clients across the public and private sectors and is proficient at coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and attending public inquiries as an expert witness.
Newcomer Paul Lester also comes from a strong retail background. At DPP he was a principal contact for Tesco Ltd - advising on everything from extended opening hours through to major planning submissions – and conducted extensive quantitative retail analysis, including the preparation and critique of numerous Retail Impact Assessments.
(February 2010)
