Patrick Downes will be leaving Harris Lamb after almost 25 years, with planning director Simon Hawley taking over the role of head of planning
Patrick Downes has formally announced his retirement as head of planning at Harris Lamb, with Simon Hawley succeeding him in the role with immediate effect.
In his 23-year tenure at Harris Lamb, Patrick helped establish the company’s planning team, which has grown into a department with 12 team members working on developments across the country.
Patrick will depart the company at the end of September 2023.
Patrick Downes thanked his team and clients
Patrick said: “I would like to thank all the clients who have very kindly given us instructions over the years and who have provided me with some memorable professional opportunities. I would also like to thank all of my colleagues, both in the planning team and at Harris Lamb, and the wide range of consultants who have worked alongside us.
“I am delighted that Simon is taking over, having joined the team some 16 years ago. He is thoroughly professional, very client focused and he and the rest of the team will continue to provide a first class service to our many clients.
“I wish Simon and the team, and all of my Harris Lamb colleagues, the very best for the future.”
Simon will head up the planning team from today, Monday July 3rd
Simon said: “This is an exciting time for both myself and the team; I believe this is the strongest planning team we have had at Harris Lamb with a great range of experience and skill sets, developed over the years under Patrick’s care. Over the past two decades and beyond, Patrick has provided a huge amount of support to his colleagues, and earned the respect of his peers throughout the industry. While we will be extremely sad to see him leave, he has certainly earned some down time and we wish him well.
“With our wide client base and range of instructions I am very much looking forward to pushing the department on with my colleagues and look forward to working with all of our clients in the future as we continue to grow the business.”
Richard Fantham, director, added: “While Patrick will be missed by us all, Simon is a worthy successor. Not only has he built up an exceptional reputation within the industry since he joined us, but he has the earned the respect of his peers and will demonstrate the leadership skills required to ensure the department moves from strength to strength.”
