Property professionals launch consultancy aimed at Enabl-ing clients

A new consultancy that challenges the formulaic approach to planning and development delivery has been launched in the North West.

Planner Matt Dixon and project manager Louis Howard came together to form Enabl, with a simple three-pillar philosophy.

Matt said: “Developers want to know three things: What can I build? What will it look like? What will it cost?

“I can tell them with a commercial eye what can be built, we link with the most appropriate architects to design a scheme for the site and then Louis will guide them on likely costs.

“It sounds simple, but this cross-collaboration is often missing.”

Based in Altrincham, Enabl is already working with clients such as Cert Property and Equilibrium Healthcare, helping them move schemes forward.

Louis said: “We believe the industry needed a fresh approach, one that gives clarity to developers early on. Our aim is to give every scheme as much chance as possible to be a successful project that will actually be delivered.

“It is something much broader than just planning by the book or basic front-end appraisal to work out funding.

“We approach things more in the round, so if something is added to help gain planning they need to know what it will cost. Similarly, the right approvals and permissions in the right order can affect the build programme which, in turn, affects costs. Being in the same office, discussing options as they arrive is hugely beneficial.”

The firm works with a range of architects from small bespoke firms to larger practices, depending on the requirements of the site and the developer, similarly calling in landscape architects, engineers and other consultants as needed.

Matt added: “We are also discovering that we are a useful knowledge hub, bringing sites to clients, clients to architects, architects to developers. We join the loops without being prescriptive.

“We really enjoy working with lots of different consultants who we know and trust to be both innovative and visionary. We have the ability to assemble a bespoke team of talent, specific to a project that will assist a project to completion.”