Planning, design and architecture consultancy Marrons has promoted two people across its planning and socio-economics teams.

Simon Macklen, socio-economics expert, based at the consultancy’s London hub, but working nationally, has taken the step up to partner.

Karen Brightman, who is based in Leicester, has been promoted to planning director after two years with the consultancy.

With more than 25 years' experience, Simon has been member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for 18 years. His work supports clients, such as commercial developers, land owners and house builders, in the delivery of socio-economic evidence underpinning development proposals.

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Projects include economic benefit and impact assessments, demographic modelling, and socio-economic statements, which provide a robust and credible evidence base to inform and support development proposals.

Since joining the Marrons team 18 months ago, Simon has developed the specialist practice area including growing the team with the appointment of economics director Dan Usher last year.

Karen, who has significant experience in the public sector, works with clients to obtain planning permission and unlock the value in their sites. She will be working on large-scale housing developments, schemes and commercial developments, taking on larger and more complex projects in her new role as planning director.

Also as part of her remit, Karen will be leading and coaching team members as well as responsible for growing the practice in Leicester and beyond.