Dutch giant buys planning consultancy

Birmingham development practice Brooke Smith Planning has been bought by global consultancy Arcadis.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will add to the Dutch group’s strengthen in built and natural asset design and consultancy.

Simon Marks, city executive for Birmingham at Arcadis, said: “This is a really significant move for Arcadis here in the UK. Adding the expertise and vast experience of such a well-respected town planning consultancy to our existing offering is good news for our clients and our business.”

The expanded team will work with clients in assessing the development potential of their landed assets, national policy and local plan making, as well as the planning and development management process.

Brooke Smith Planning was founded in 1994 and is led by former-RICS global president Louise Brooke-Smith.

She said: “The devolution agenda, and all that it brings with it, has only increased the need for the very best when it comes to land use planning and development advice.

“Joining Arcadis at this key time means that we are able to offer the very best to both the nation’s businesses and the communities they serve.”

She will lead the planning capabilities across the UK as well as head up the Arcadis social value client offering.

This new service will look at how businesses across the country can further improve quality of life for their clients, their people and the communities they serve.

Alan Brookes, chief executive of Arcadis UK, added: “Social value is an increasingly important part of our ongoing three-year plan, in terms of our staff, our clients and the communities they work with.”