Planning, design and environmental consultancy tor&co has appointed Simon Prescott as chairman as the firm steps up support for clients in its 40th year in business.
One of the industry’s most high-profile planning professionals, Simon joins following the opening of tor&co’s new Bristol office at a time of renewed national and local focus on strategic planning, housing delivery and placemaking.
His appointment reunites him with tor&co managing director Jacqueline Mulliner. The pair first studied town planning at the University of the West of England in Bristol.
“This is a great time to join tor&co,” said Simon.
“The team has a strong track record, great clients and a clear commitment to supporting partners committed to vibrant places and sustainable growth.
“At a time of fresh focus on building more, there’s also a growing need to demonstrate sustainability, for better design and strategic planning that puts people at the heart of creating great places. tor&co’s people first approach brings these aspects together, and leaves them well placed to deliver more, and better.
“This is what attracted me to join the team. I’m excited to be working with them and look forward to supporting the leadership team and their clients.”
Simon brings more than 30 years’ experience in strategic planning, land promotion and development to his new role. He spent 17 years at Barton Willmore, serving as equity partner between 2009 and 2022.
He is also a non-executive director at Business West and has previously chaired the British Chambers of Commerce’s national planning expert group and held senior roles supporting the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and UWE Bristol.
Jacqueline Mulliner, managing director at tor&co, added: “Simon brings valuable experience and knowledge at a time when places across the country need good planning and thoughtful design more than ever.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to helping clients succeed by securing and delivering sustainable development and building on our track record*.”
* The team has helped clients achieve a planning success rate of 96% over the last five years. It has a growing body of work in supporting schemes for new communities, town and village growth, commercial development, renewable energy and regeneration.
