Our Journey

Stuart and Mark spot a gap in the market. A delivery focussed development consultancy with a specialism in delivering for, and in collaboration with, public bodies. With a combined 20 years experience of working for Homes England/HCA/English Partnerships, there is a wealth of knowledge, experience, contacts and hard-won nous around the do’s and don’ts when it comes to delivering development with the public sector.

Whether this was being directly commissioned by the public body, or acting for developers who needed support in navigating the systems, protocols, rules and acronyms (together with experience of having been there and done that for the national housing agency), Stuart and Mark were confident there was a market for the services Hive could offer.

So Hive Land & Planning was launched in Spring 2018 and it’s been a fantastic journey so far…..

March 2018

Company Set Up

After nearly 10 years each at Homes England (HCA/EP), Stuart and Mark set up Hive.

April 2018

1st Garden Village appointment

Hive is appointed to advise Engine of the North (Cheshire East’s delivery vehicle) on Stewardship at the Garden Village @Handforth.

July 2018

1st Business premises

Hive takes its first office premises. Pretty humble beginnings (four desks and no windows).

February
2019

First Major Funding Award

The Carlisle Southern Link Road is awarded £102m of HIF funding from government. Hive edited the bid before submission and would go on to negotiate the funding contract.

May 2019

Justin joins

Our favourite planning consultant (and one of the best in the business) joins the crew to lead the planning team.

June 2019

The Hive Team Grows

Hive’s first employee joins. An eager and ambitious graduate planner, starting the growth of the Hive team, which reached double figures in 2023.

January
2020

Hive secure major job in North East

Hive’s Garden Village expertise is recognised with a major commission on South Seaham Garden Village. Our first major commission outside of the NW.

February
2020

Hive does the Smiths

Shortly before lock down a Hive team night out swings by Salford Lads Club to recreate the famous Smiths Album cover.

March 2020

Covid-19

The world is hit by Covid-19, but Hive carry on (within the laws of course). No team members furloughed and the creation of a virtual pub, to keep us in touch with clients and friends.

November 2020

First Award win

The Preston City Living Strategy wins the RTPI North West Placemaking Award, the first of many awards this project was about to win with our client Preston City Council.

May 2021

The Silver Jubilee Award Win

Yeah, we get it – enough about the awards already! But this was a big one. Hive win the RTPI award Silver Jubilee. This was the winner of winners, national award.

July 2021

Hive’s first Southern based client

The progression towards national coverage continues, this time with a commission to lead Cheltenham Borough Council’s bid for funding for the Minster Quarter. (intentionally not mentioning Levelling Up)

December
2021

Christmas Karaoke

We find our guilty pleasure for the first time. Our Christmas do’s would never be the same again!

February
2022

Hive’s new home

The directors club together to buy office premises for Hive. Putting our money where our mouth is and investing in one of the best regeneration success stories nationally – ECF’s development around Chapel Street Salford.

September
2022

Office Manager

Hive takes on an Office Manager. A big step for Hive, and definitely the right one. Jenna joins the team

September
2022

Office Manager

Hive takes on an Office Manager. A big step for Hive, and definitely the right one. Jenna joins the team

September
2022

Office Manager

Hive takes on an Office Manager. A big step for Hive, and definitely the right one. Jenna joins the team

The Hive Land & Planning journey continues...