AWARD-WINNING CONSULTANCY STRENGTHENS TEAM WITH TWO SENIOR PLANNERS

The team at specialist urban planning consultancy, Hybrid Planning & Development has been strengthened with two senior planners.

Sophie Hardy MRTPI joins Hybrid with close to a decade of planning experience gained in consultancy and local authority roles, most recently at Gerald Eve LLP, while Hasnain (Has) Ikram has been promoted following a period of growth for the award-winning firm. Sophie and Has will support delivery of some of Hybrid’s urban mixed-use projects in London, Birmingham, Walsall and Newcastle as well as mentoring junior members of staff.

“Hybrid has a really diverse portfolio, delivering imaginative and complex residential, commercial and leisure schemes on a nationwide scale, and this variety really appealed to me,” explains Sophie. “Alongside this, the company ethos just offers something different from traditional consultancies; it’s less corporate, more inclusive and is built around truly enjoying what you do. Having worked with Claire and Danielle previously, I knew this combination was the right move and am excited to join such a vibrant team.”

Has added: “I joined Hybrid nine months ago from Lichfields, and it’s been a brilliant move. The culture here really seeks to empower and nurture, which is a great combination as it gives us a level of independence yet support when necessary. I’m thrilled to receive this promotion and look forward to successfully delivering some of the firm’s flagship projects across the UK.”

These appointments follow a significant period of growth for Hybrid, which has seen the East London-based firm secure successful planning applications for over 1,000 new homes and be recognised by RTPI London as one of the top two private planning consultancies in the Capital.

Director and co-founder, Claire Day FRTPI said: “As for many businesses, the past two years have certainly been challenging but we were quick to adapt to new working patterns and minimise disruption. Our talented team has worked tirelessly to secure positive outcomes and it’s a testament to their efforts that we’ve enjoyed such success. In fact, in the last 18 months we’ve been instructed on over 350 new projects, many of which represent repeat business. This growth meant we needed more leadership, so were delighted to promote Has and appoint Sophie. They’re both extremely knowledgeable, well-connected and with energetic personalities, they’re great role models.”

A fully-fledged Londoner, Sophie is a personal trainer, nutritional coach and fitness instructor in her spare time. Has is a proud Welshman who spends his free time on his house renovation project in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.