Highland planning and design specialist GH Johnston plans expansion after takeover deal with Glasgow firm Mabbett
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A leading Highland design and planning specialist is embarking on a recruitment drive after a takeover deal with Glasgow firm Mabbett & Associates Ltd.
The move has set a target for Inverness-based GH Johnston Building Consultants Ltd (GHJ) to double the size of its business in three years.
This is the first step in Mabbett's strategic growth ambitions and enable the combined group to offer an enhanced comprehensive planning and design service bringing together the extensive technical expertise of GHJ and Mabbett’s team of planning, design, environmental, engineering and safety professionals.
Established in 1994, GHJ offers a range of services, including feasibility and site studies, development appraisals, masterplans, appeals and hearings, local development plans, planning applications, community engagement, architectural design, project management and supporting studies. Its wide range of clients include developers, landowners, tourism and leisure operators, retail and industrial facilities.
All GHJ employees will be retained following the acquisition with Mabbett relocating its Inverness team to GHJ’s offices at Stoneyfield Business Park.
A recruitment drive is planned by GHJ to gear up for the new opportunities brought by joining Mabbett.
Mabbett managing director Derek J. McNab, said: “GHJ has a strong profile and long-established reputation for delivering planning and design consultancy services. Their values and attributes make them a great fit for Mabbett and together we are looking to benefit both our clients and ourselves from new opportunities that will be available to the combined entity, with the aim of doubling the size of the business within three years.
"Gary Johnston, Kenny Shand, Shane Rodgers and the rest of the GHJ staff are a highly respected and experienced team so we are proud they have chosen Mabbett to continue GHJ’s legacy. They join us at an exciting time in our development and we have already witnessed the strength and benefit of our combined teams working in partnership having recently won new projects together.“
GHJ planning and design director Gary Johnston commented: “Joining the Mabbett family is a great opportunity to expand GHJ’s service offering and enhance our geographical coverage. I look forward to continuing to work with my team, enhancing the personal and first-class service offering we are renowned for and embracing the new opportunities the deal will bring."
Mabbett’s acquisition of GHJ comes on the back of a year of double digit growth for the planning, design, environmental, engineering and safety services specialist. In that time the business has added 20 new staff positions across the UK.
The Inverness acquisition is the first of a number of planned by the consulting firm, with another major announcement expected in early spring.
