Quod Acquires Hunt Dobson Stringer
Hunt Dobson Stringer and Quod are coming together to create a brand new force in planning consultancy that is able to effectively respond to fundamental reforms in the planning regime, brokering even closer ties with decision makers and guiding clients through localism to navigate major projects through to consent and delivery. The combination of complementary skills from both companies at this time is seen by directors as essential to ensuring they can offer clients the same high level of expertise, knowledge, experience and leadership to embrace this new era in planning policy.
Both Quod and Hunt Dobson Stringer have a successful track record of working closely in partnership on some of the Capital’s largest development projects, providing tactical advice to many of the UK’s leading property developers.
Hunt Dobson Stringer is the leading specialist regeneration and development consultancy providing advice on the largest projects, and to the biggest players in the industry on the social and economic impacts of development. The company has an impressive portfolio of property developer clients, including, Land Securities, British Land, Hammerson, Berkeley Homes, Lend Lease, Quintain and Ballymore.
Quod has already established a reputation for taking a fresh approach to advising on large and complex regeneration and infrastructure projects, as well as housing and retail development clients, and the full range of planning issues. Clients typically hail from both public and private sectors, and the company prides itself in offering bespoke, direct and detailed planning and development advice for any client requirement.
John Rhodes, Director, Quod, comments “We have been friends with Hunt Dobson Stringer for a long time and we have worked with them on a number of schemes – so we know that their expertise complements ours. But we are very excited at the idea of being one business.”
“In a world which is becoming more complex and challenging for our clients, we think a modern planning consultancy should bring a complete understanding of all factors which are driving the decisions of government, local authorities and the major service providers. Together Quod with HDS should be able to provide an unrivalled insight into what makes any development project successful”.
Barney Stringer, Director, Hunt Dobson Stringer, comments “We have worked with the Directors of Quod for many years giving advice on major projects like Stratford City and Brent Cross. It has become clear, to both of us, that now is the right time to formalise this relationship and provide a genuinely new offer which addresses the new challenges that are facing the development industry. This is something we know our clients have been asking for and we’re looking forward to working closely with our colleagues at Quod to further develop and nurture our existing relationships, for the company’s – and all of our clients – advantage.”
The integrated company will trade solely as Quod Planning as of 13th April 2011. The three co-founders of Hunt Dobson Stringer, Andrew Hunt, Barney Stringer and Tom Dobson, will become equity directors of Quod, joining the six current equity directors, John Rhodes, Claire Dickinson, Sean Bashforth, Ben Ford, Tim Rainbird and Phil Murphy.
All staff from Hunt Dobson Stringer will relocate to the offices of Quod with immediate effect.
