Rising talents are stepping up at Cadnant Planning as the award-winning consultancy targets further growth across Chester, the Welsh borders and into the North West.
The business has promoted Sion Roberts to Associate Planner and Jack Lally to Planner, rewarding two standout performers as it looks to build its presence across Cheshire and Wrexham and develop new opportunities further afield, including Lancashire.
With offices in Conwy and Pulford, on the Wrexham-Chester border, Cadnant has enjoyed a busy year, securing a raft of new projects for developers, landowners, housing associations and education and infrastructure partners. Affordable housing has been a particularly strong area for the consultancy, which is now looking to build on its established reputation in Wales by growing its client base and project portfolio across the border.
Managing Director Sioned Edwards said the promotions demonstrated the strength of the firm and its commitment to investing in people. “We are delighted for Sion and Jack; both promotions are thoroughly deserved and reflect how much they have developed and contributed to Cadnant. Both Sion and Jack are a key part of the Cadnant team going forward and they both have a very bright future ahead of them,” she said.
“As the company grows, we want our people to grow with us. That means giving them responsibility, supporting professional development and qualifications, and providing opportunities to shape rewarding, long-term careers.
“We have built a strong name in Wales and have ambitious plans to expand further, particularly in north east Wales and via our Chester office, so it’s an exciting time for the business and the team.”
Sion, from Y Felinheli, joined Cadnant four years ago following planning roles with Gwynedd and Conwy councils. A Chartered Town Planner accredited by the RTPI, he is now a key figure on larger developments and affordable housing schemes.
“I’m really pleased to have been promoted and grateful for the opportunities Cadnant has given me,” said Sion.
“My role has developed significantly and I’m now coordinating larger projects and taking on more responsibility, particularly across affordable housing schemes.
“It’s a great company and a close team, and there are always opportunities to learn, progress and work on interesting projects that make a real difference.”
For Jack, from Prestatyn, promotion to Planner comes just two years after joining Cadnant as a graduate with no prior experience. He is continuing part-time studies alongside his role on a postgraduate Master’s degree in Town Planning, which will allow him to move towards Chartership of the RTPI. He has progressed rapidly and is now managing his own cases and supporting major applications.
“When I arrived, I was completely new to the profession, but I was exposed to a huge range of planning applications and given the chance to learn,” said Jack.
“Cadnant believed in me, gradually gave me more responsibility and encouraged me to keep developing and gaining further qualifications.
“I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally. I’m now taking the lead on my own cases and working more closely with clients, so it’s been a brilliant progression and shows what opportunities there are in this sector.”
The promotions come as Cadnant looks to capitalise on opportunities across the cross-border economy, strengthening its presence around Chester, Cheshire and Wrexham while looking further into the North West, including Lancashire. They also follow a busy summer for the consultancy on the show circuit, with appearances at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, Sioe Môn and the Flint and Denbigh Show.
Sioned added: “There is a huge amount happening across the industry, with some really exciting projects in the pipeline and we want to keep building on that momentum.
“We’re proud of the reputation Cadnant has established, but equally excited about where we go next. We want to hear from experienced professionals based in the Wrexham/Chester area who would like to be part of that journey and who are looking for a new challenge.”
