Planning, design and environmental consultancy tor&co has appointed Simon Prescott as its new chairman, marking a significant milestone in the firm's 40th year of business.

Prescott, one of the UK's most prominent planning professionals, joins tor&co as the company expands its national presence, including the recent opening of a new office in Bristol. His arrival comes at a pivotal time for the planning sector, with renewed national and local focus on housing delivery, strategic planning, and placemaking.

The appointment sees Prescott reunited with tor&co’s managing director Jacqueline Mulliner, with whom he studied town planning at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

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"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."

With more than 30 years' experience in strategic planning, land promotion and development, Prescott brings deep sector expertise to his new role. He spent 17 years at Barton Willmore, where he was an equity partner between 2009 and 2022. He also serves as a non-executive director at Business West and has previously chaired the British Chambers of Commerce’s national planning expert group. His involvement in regional development includes senior roles supporting the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and UWE Bristol.