Lichfields is a planning and development consultancy that has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Thames Valley. It was set up in 1962 by highly decorated town planner Nathaniel Lichfield and is now owned by its staff through an employee benefit trust.
Harvey Emms is office lead at the firm's Newcastle base.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
After graduating from university, I started working in Ipswich, Suffolk as a planner earning £18,000 a year. I only intended to be there a short time but ended up staying for nine years. Great times, great people, good experience and a lot of fun.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
It’s hard to single out one piece of advice but I would say to take the time to stop and always try to listen to the opinions of others before coming to a decision. Also, prepare thoroughly and reflect.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
Over the last few years, we have seen a steady decline in public sector resources and investment as people have left the sector and not been replaced. This has made it tougher to get applications though planning with protracted decision-making with inevitable delays.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
In the private sector, people continued to be enthusiastic and upbeat throughout Covid and lockdown. This has helped to ensure the North East market has moved forward over the last two years. A more flexible approach to our work has also become the norm - home working has boosted creativity while productivity has held up.
Who is your role model in business?
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. He has shown great leadership, vision and a willingness to get things done, which is all very refreshing.
What would your dream job be?
I’m a keen (but slow) cyclist, so to be able to run my own cycle and repair business and café/micropub, ideally situated somewhere on a North East coastal cycle route, would be perfect.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
Try to get a broad range of private and public sector experience as soon as possible. This will help to make you a more rounded, empathetic planner.
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
The people, the friendliness, the positivity, the energy, and a ‘can do’ mentality. The North East feels like a village, which makes it ideal for businesses to reach out and connect easier and more often for mutual benefit.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
Businesses like ours continually invest to equip people with important life skills. Also planning has the capacity to shape and change the way we live our lives, delivering the new housing and creating the places where local people will want to live and build communities.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
There’s nothing that I’m particularly outstanding out - I can play a decent game of golf and enjoy my cycling. I do like to give a little back by organising veteran’s field hockey matches and umpiring games.
