Rural Solutions makes North West move

PLANNING and development specialist Rural Solutions has expanded with the acquisition of Rural Innovation.

The Skipton-based business is hoping to take advantage of changes to planning regulations which it believes will create more opportunities for rural development.

The deal sees Rob Hindle, from Preston-based Rural Innovation, join Rural Solutions.

Rural solutions managing director William Fry said: “We have already seen an increase in demand for our services and we’ve grown by 36% every year since 2009.

“We’ve also expanded from a team of three people in one small office to 18 people in Yorkshire and the South East – so it made perfect sense for us to seize this opportunity to grow further and expand into the North West.”

Mr Hindle has more than 20 years experience in rural planning, development and research.

He said: “Bringing the two businesses together makes perfect sense at a time of increased opportunity as we can combine our specialist services to create a centre of excellence for rural planning and development.”