Bosses of independent development and town planning consultancy NJL Consulting say they have not been put off by post-Brexit economic speculation and are pushing ahead with ambitious cross-Pennine growth plans.

The company, which specialises in adding value to client assets through the application of bespoke planning strategies, identification of joint venture opportunities and understanding of the commercial realities of the development process, already employs 12 people in Manchester

The company has now formally opened its new office, taking space in Park House, Leeds and is run by Director Rob Crolla and Senior Planner Nick Pleasant. NJL Leeds is looking to expand within the next twelve months, hoping to take on three extra members of staff to assist with high profile projects that are in the pipeline.

Rob believes the uncertainty of Brexit won’t prevent the company from expanding.

He said: “Despite the shock of Brexit, we want to push ahead with our expansion plans to ensure we are best located to offer our clients across Yorkshire the highest possible service.

“The Northern Powerhouse agenda and the strength of the Yorkshire and Humber economy meant that Leeds was an obvious choice.

With a focus on developing a high-performing Yorkshire team, Rob added: “It’s great we can now work with clients on high profile projects in Yorkshire, and advise clients from both sides of the Pennines.

“Leeds’ strategic location will also enable NJL Consulting to service clients further afield, for example in the North East, East Midlands and East of England. We see the Northern region as playing a key part in our success and we’re now perfectly situated to service clients across that northern belt.”

NJL Consulting Managing Director Nick Lee said attracting Yorkshire based clients and developing a Leeds based team who can offer the highest service and understand the region clients are operating is an ongoing priority.

He said: “While we’re still to realise the full impact of Brexit, as a company we have experienced sustained growth and a widening of our geographical coverage. Our second office in Leeds reflects the desirability of this city as an investment location, and it’s perfectly situated for us to service our existing and emerging client’s needs. We are confident that in a post Brexit UK the Leeds office will go from strength to strength.”