Leeds boss named chairman of national planning and economic consultants

National planning and economic consultants Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) has appointed Leeds office head Justin Gartland as its new chairman.

Gartland, who established the Leeds office in 2011, has been instrumental in helping to grow NLP over the last 25 years and his new role will see him develop and help implement future growth strategies.

James Fennell, managing director of NLP said: “Justin’s appointment is designed to align and focus NLP’s corporate growth initiatives and I’m very pleased to have him as NLP’s chairman of the board and director.

“He has an almost unmatched knowledge of the business nationally, having emerged as a director in London, managed our new Manchester office in the early 2000s and having now established our Yorkshire office in Leeds.”

Gartland, who will continue on his role as NLP’s Leeds office head, said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as chairman of the board.

“As chairman I’m hoping my insights into the regional markets and key growth areas and companies can help shape strategic decision making.

“NLP provides an excellent value proposition to our clients and the market place. We have strong representation among highly successful, growth-oriented businesses.

“The potential for planning services over the next few years continues to grow. I am very excited at the opportunity to enhance NLP’s reputation as an industry leader throughout the UK.

NLP is positioning itself to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the house-building and energy sectors and is leading the way in helping developers imaginatively reshape the UK’s high streets.

Dr Malcolm Hockaday has stood down as chairman and will continue as director in NLP’s London office.