DWF gets to the point with new head of national planning

LEGAL firm DWF is on point after hiring head of national planning, Glenn Sharpe.

The firm has a 190 staff in the national real estate team, but Mr Sharpe will be based in Leeds where he will help develop the firm’s planning expertise both in the North East and nationally.

He joins from DLA Piper where he was a partner and head of planning.

Mr Sharpe is a former senior local government lawyer, and previously led the planning and environmental team at North Yorkshire County Council.

His work in the oil and gas industry has led to engagement on a significant number of projects in the Scottish market, including liasing with the Scottish Government and the instruction of Scottish Advocates.

Mr Sharpe said: “The scale and scope of DWF’s offering, its geographical coverage and recent investment in a diverse range of expertise within the wider real estate team provide a strong platform on which to develop further opportunities across the sector.

“I look forward to working with the team to develop this capability and offer a greater range of services to the firm’s national client base.”

Toby Askin, who was appointed DWF’s national head of real estate in March 2015, commented: “We’re pleased to welcome Glenn into our growing real restate practice and are confident that his commercial awareness and leadership capability will allow him to help build our profile in the market and provide strategic direction to our planning team as we continue to invest in this area.”