Drivers Jonas - Appointment - Manchester, Lancashire

Date: 06 May 2008

Drivers Jonas today announced the appointment of Simon Bedford in the newly created role of Head of Economic Development. Simon joins as a partner and will lead a six-strong team responsible for DJ's economic development and regeneration consultancy work. Based in DJ's Manchester office, the team will grow the business across the UK.

Simon joins with over 20 years' experience in practice, most recently as managing director of EKOS Consulting where he was responsible for overseeing all the operations and leading the management and development of the company's 4 UK offices. Previously Simon was a director at Jones Lang LaSalle and planning director at Building Design Partnership. He has also worked in the public sector for both Local Authorities and Urban Development Corporations.

In addition, Simon is a board member of RENEW - the North West Centre for Regeneration and Excellence.

John Adams, partner at Drivers Jonas, said: "This newly created role adds incredible value to the work DJ has been undertaking as development advisors. Simon has years of experience working on behalf of a wide variety of public and private sector clients with major projects under his belt including Manchester City Council's development of Wythenshawe, national projects with English Partnerships and Cork City Council's €5bn development of the Docklands area scheme. DJ plans to expand the team to incorporate economic development and regeneration across all DJ's regions."

Simon added: ''I am delighted to be joining a firm with such an outstanding reputation for the quality of it's consultancy services. I hope over the next few years the team and I can build a further strong sector of business across the UK.''

Simon Bedford, newly appointed Head of Economic Development