JBP appoints Simon Prescott as Senior Counsel for development communications

JBP Associates, the largest PR and stakeholder engagement consultancy in the South West, have appointed Simon Prescott, former equity partner at Barton Willmore, as Senior Counsel for planning and development communications. 

Simon, who brings more than thirty years of experience in planning and development to the role, will work alongside Executive Director for Strategic Engagement, James Hinchcliffe, and the JBP political and stakeholder engagement team. He will counsel JBP’s extensive range of development clients nationwide with interests in strategic land promotions, outline planning applications, and reserved matters planning applications.  

Simon Prescott said: “I feel excited to take on this communications role when the effective management of political and community relationships is increasingly crucial for developers. JBP is enabling its clients to deal with these challenges in thoughtful and innovative ways. I look forward to supporting JBP in broadening its communications consultancy for existing clients and introducing them to opportunities where their services can add value to future development projects.” 

Simon is also a non-executive board member with Business West, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative. Over recent years, he has held many roles, including national Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce expert group on planning, Chair of the University of the West of England’s planning advisory board, Chair of the West of England Office’s Housing Market Reference Group, and Chair of the LEP’s construction and development business sector group. 

James Hinchcliffe said: “Our company feels privileged that someone with the experience and respected track record of Simon wants to join us on our mission to support developers and organisations to build more homes, workplaces, and community facilities. His extensive knowledge of the planning system will enable us to provide greater assurance to our clients across the UK that our communications and engagement recommendations will achieve desired results.” 

Simon joins a growing team of Senior Counsel with specialisms in political and planning experience which include former Government Minister Stephen Williams, former leader of Bristol City Council Simon Cook MBE, and current City of London councillor and former Sheriff Councillor Chris Hayward.