Planning practice acquired by NFU's commercial arm

Preston-based PWA Planning Group is plotting its next period of growth after being acquired by NFU Commercial Holdings – the commercial services arm of the National Farmers Union.

The consultancy was founded in 2013 and has grown to provide a wide range of planning and land advisory services to the housing, commercial and industrial, sports and leisure, and energy sectors.

The practice has 18 staff and works on projects across the UK for clients including Booths, Asda, Story Homes, EG Group, Amber Taverns and Parkwood Leisure.

In 2021 PWA launched Energy Planning, a specialist division focused on renewable energy projects including battery energy storage schemes, solar and wind developments.

Following the deal, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, company founders Paul and Stella Walton will remain as directors of the business with Paul continuing in the role of managing director.

He said: “This is great news for our clients, staff and consultancy partners because it gives our business firm foundations on which to build for the future.

“While our ownership structure may have changed, it’s very much business as usual. On a day-to-day level our clients won’t notice any changes as we’re still the same team, we’re keeping the same name, and we’ll continue supporting our clients with their projects across all our chosen sectors.

“Coming under the NFU umbrella allows us to benefit from additional resources and expertise, which allows us to add extra value to our present and future clients.”

Ken Sutherland, NFU commercial and investment director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome PWA to the NFU family. The acquisition is in line with our plans to grow a national consulting business focussed on all aspects of land use.

“PWA’s sector expertise, in particular its residential and energy specialisms, together with its experience advising on a wide range of land diversification projects, also means that it is a perfect fit with our other businesses, such as NFU Energy."