Mabbett said the acquisition will enhance the combined group’s offering of comprehensive planning and design services bringing together the extensive depth and technical expertise of GHJ and Mabbett’s team of planning, design, environmental, engineering and safety professionals.

Established in 1994, GHJ offers a range of services, including feasibility and site studies, development appraisals, masterplans, appeals and hearings, local development plans, planning applications, community engagement, architectural design, project management and supporting studies. Its wide range of clients include developers, landowners, tourism and leisure operators, retail and industrial facilities.

All GHJ employees will be retained following the acquisition with Mabbett relocating its Inverness team to GHJ’s offices at Stoneyfield Business Park, Inverness. A recruitment drive is planned by GHJ to gear up for the new opportunities brought by joining Mabbett.

Speaking about the investment, Mabbett managing director, Derek J. McNab, said: “GHJ has a strong profile and long-established reputation for delivering planning and design consultancy services. Their values and attributes make them a great fit for Mabbett and together we are looking to benefit both our clients and ourselves from new opportunities that will be available to the combined entity, with the aim of doubling the size of the business within three years.

“Gary Johnston, Kenny Shand, Shane Rodgers and the rest of the GHJ staff are a highly respected and experienced team so we are proud they have chosen Mabbett to continue GHJ’s legacy. They join us at an exciting time in our development and we have already witnessed the strength and benefit of our combined teams working in partnership having recently won new projects together.”

GHJ director, planning and design, Gary Johnston, added: “Joining the Mabbett family is a great opportunity to expand GHJ’s service offering and enhance our geographical coverage. I look forward to continuing to work with my team, enhancing the personal and first-class service offering we are renowned for and embracing the new opportunities the deal will bring.”

Mabbett’s acquisition of GHJ comes on the back of a year of double digit growth. In that time it has added 20 new staff positions across the UK. This is the first of a number of planned acquisitions by the consulting firm, with another major announcement expected in early Spring.