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Business-mums open planning consultancy
Two Bristol mums have introduced their new planning consultancy to the traditionally male-dominated town planning sector. Planning Ventures brings together Julie Laming and new co-director Lyn Jones, who both have experience in the public and private sectors with clients including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link at St Pancras, Clifton College and Finzels Reach.
“When you think of the world of planning you tend to think of men wearing suits or shirts and ties,” says Julie. “But in our experience this is changing. More women appear to be coming into the industry and importantly staying in the industry,” she says, pointing out that women are occupying senior planning roles in Bristol and Bath.
“We strive to bring a touch of soft power to the planning process, whether that involves working solely with a client, joining a large design team, or simply providing a flexible planning resource when and where needed. We are keen to continue working with a range of clients to find pragmatic and creative planning solutions for all sorts of projects.”
Aiming to provide a down-to-earth and professional service, Planning Ventures sees relationships as essential to good practice. Julie explains: “We understand the need to develop positive working relationships with Local Planning Authorities, clients and colleagues alike. At the end of the day we are all working together towards securing the best possible outcomes for our clients and for Local Planning Authorities. While it’s necessary to gauge the right time to stand firm on a planning issue, this needs to be done with as little acrimony and difficulty as possible.”
The pair are keen to develop their planning careers but, with five children between them, need the flexibility that running your own business can provide. “The need for more flexibility around childcare, school routines and holidays means that starting up independently was an obvious choice. Julie and I are looking forward to supporting each other through the peaks and troughs of our consultancy. The juggle between running your own business and home life is hard work, but liberating and very rewarding.”
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