Independent planning consultancy Quod has strengthened its Leeds office with the return of director Pete Hall to Yorkshire. After several years in London focusing on major infrastructure, Hall will now oversee the firm’s infrastructure offering across the North.

Specialising in the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime, Hall has extensive experience with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the energy, water, and waste sectors. He is joined by Amy Pickering, who arrives from Savills as an assistant planner.

The appointments come a year after the firm moved to Bruntwood's West Village in central Leeds. Additionally, associate Emma Bilton was recently named in the "Top 30 Under 30" for Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Pete Hall, Director at Quod, said: "The DCO regime is becoming increasingly complex, requiring a delicate balance between technical rigour and local sensitivity. I can bridge that gap and help clients navigate the process, combining Quod’s national reputation for handling NSIPs with a hands-on, local presence that understands the specific geographic and political nuances of Yorkshire and the wider North."



North East engineering firm RWO has expanded its geoenvironmental and ground engineering division with a senior contract extension and a new technical appointment.

Neil Jones has extended his tenure as geoenvironmental services associate director. Mr Jones, a chartered engineer and geologist with four decades of experience, originally joined the firm two years ago following a brief retirement. He remains responsible for geotechnical design solutions for national housebuilders, alongside staff training and technical compliance.

Joining the team is Spencer Ollivier, who has been appointed as a geotechnical engineer. Mr Ollivier will focus on geohazard assessments, site investigations, and ground reporting. The department currently employs six staff but intends to recruit further to meet growing demand for its technical services.

Neil Jones said: “It’s great to be able to extend my time at RWO, where I’m enjoying working so much that I’m staying on longer than initially anticipated. In particular, I’m looking forward to continuing to pass on my knowledge to the team, develop my work integrating our services with civil and structural engineering operations, and delivering more holistic solutions for clients.”

Chris Rudd, department head and director, added: “It’s great to have Spencer onboard and extend Neil’s time with us. Both are assets to the business as we move forward and invaluable members of the RWO team.”



Lauren Parsons, a project manager at Seymour Civil Engineering, has been appointed chair of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East (CECA NE) Foundations Group. She succeeds outgoing co-chairs Matthew Tetley of Absolute Civil Engineering and Ben Adcock of Costain Group.

The group focuses on attracting young talent to the sector and addressing the industry's skills gap. Ms Parsons is joined by new vice-chairs Rob Loveridge, a lead quantity surveyor at Mott MacDonald Bentley, and Olivia Miller, a trainee business development coordinator at Esh. Chloe Gooding of Seymour Civil Engineering also joins as marketing lead.

Lauren Parsons said: “The Foundations Group is a fantastic platform to support young people entering, or considering civil engineering and we have a real opportunity to continue growing our outreach, which is essential if we are to fill the skills gap that is becoming an ever-pressing challenge for our sector.”



Yorkshire-based firm LCF Law has promoted Ann Christian to head of personal law. Ms Christian, who qualified as a solicitor in 2001, joined the firm in 2007 and became a partner in 2015. Based primarily in Ilkley and Bradford, she specialises in estate administration, trusts, and inheritance planning.

She succeeds founding partner Neil Shaw, who steps down after 38 years in the role. Mr Shaw will remain with the firm as a client-facing lawyer. Ms Christian leads a 30-strong team across Leeds, Harrogate, Bradford, and Ilkley. Last year, she earned the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates, qualifying her to advise on international assets.

Ann Christian said: “It’s a huge honour to step into this new role, leading a dedicated and diligent team, who all share my passion and enthusiasm for providing reliable advice and exceptional client service. Crucially, Neil has always strived to create an environment where everyone can thrive and develop to their full potential, and this will be a key part of my role moving forward.”

Neil Shaw added: “Ann epitomises this ethos and always goes the extra mile for her clients, so she’s the perfect person to pass the baton to. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Ann in a client-facing role, as she leads the team into the next chapter.”



Armstrong Watson has promoted David Jones to Partner within its Business Services team in Leeds. Mr Jones joined the firm as a director in 2024, bringing a combination of practice and industry experience to the role.

A Chartered Accountant since 2012, Mr Jones spent a decade in practice before holding senior finance positions within owner-managed businesses. This background has led to his appointment as head of the firm’s Family Business sector, where he focuses on strategic planning and performance for clients across Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

David Jones said: "I’m delighted to be promoted to Partner and grateful for the support of colleagues across the firm. I’m passionate about working alongside business owners to help them achieve their ambitions, and I’m excited to continue developing our Business Services offering here in Leeds and across the wider Yorkshire and Greater Manchester regions.”