My initial training was in architecture, and I do still design buildings for social enterprises and for a limited number of clients whose motivation is sustainable design and innovation.

I complemented this with a master’s in urban design after being in a wide range of roles including working for the Probation Service, community furniture stores, children’s playschemes, garden design and maintenance and marketing for the engineering sector in the North East.

I learned a lot about business and society through these roles and this has informed my practice as a Chartered Town Planner. I was part of the last cohort of the Special Entry Route to the Institute.

I have facilitated workshops with the Business and Tourism Association locally to undertake a street audit, access, and connectivity study to engage with the local Highways team and secure improvements to the public realm through engagement with key businesses and landowners.

There are plans afoot for a Neighborhood Plan but this is not the year where I can support this. I work closely with a local social enterprise, Just the Job, supporting the Big Green Build project for a new headquarters and gardens which has just broken ground at the end of 2020.