Planning and development in the Scottish Borders: Housing, commercial, rural and renewable energy experts for 10 years

A Borders business set up by a husband-and-wife team (Tim and Toni-Jane Ferguson) celebrates its 10th Anniversary and has expanded to employ more people over three offices.

Set up by Tim and Toni-Jane Ferguson in 2012 – from their family home in the Borders it has grown to three offices offices in Galashiels, Edinburgh and Northern Ireland. The Team continues to grow organically in response to demand and expects to have up to ten specialist staff in place during the course of 2023.

It’s still proud to be an independent firm, with its roots firmly planted in Galashiels. Now its client base not only covers the town and region, but across Scotland and the UK.

One of the challenges facing the industry at present is in understanding the newly released (Scottish Government) National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). The consultancy is currently advising many landowners and developers on its content and ensuring compliance with the latest legislation.

Owner Tim Ferguson says their steady growth is alongside cautious optimism for the future of the industry, and paid tribute to the loyal customers over the past decade.

“We are working on more and more central belt commissions, so we opened an office in George Street, Edinburgh, to allow us to service our wide range of clients.

“We were delighted to welcome Sam Edwards to the company to lead the Edinburgh office and help us grow. Sam formerly worked for CBRE. Also working out of Edinburgh are Georgia Burborough as senior planner, and Will Hewson and Anna Hall as assistant planners.”

Working alongside the company founders in the Borders is Ruaraidh Thompson, a senior planner working primarily on projects across the region. The company expansion continues, with an administrative assistant being recruited for the Galashiels office, and another planning consultant being sought. The idea candidate will have experience in the renewable energy and housing sectors, and will add to the broad range of talents and strengths are Ferguson Planning.

He said: “The company continues to be heavily involved in the residential and commercial sectors with a significant uplift recently in rural and renewable energy projects. The positive mood music emanating from the recent NPF4 release has not gone unnoticed in the industry.”

Tim added: “It is hard to believe that it is ten years already. It is a proud moment to reach this milestone and it would not be possible without the support of all the team here and our loyal clients and associates in the development industry.

“We pride ourselves on being truly independent and working hard to deliver permissions for clients big or small. Providing a personal, professional and friendly service is what has been at the heart of the business over this time. Repeat business from clients and associates again has been critical.

“Personally, I would like to say a big thanks to all those that have supported us over the last ten years and we look forward to planning for the next ten years.”

Find out more about Ferguson Planning at www.fergusonplanning.co.uk