PLANNING consultancy Planning Potential, which has an office in Harrogate, has boosted its presence in Yorkshire and the north of England by welcoming three new members to its specialist team.

Vicki Freestone has joined as an associate director. She has more than 15 years’ experience working in both the public and private sectors and expertise in commercial and retail planning. She has been based in Yorkshire for over ten years.

She sits on the steering group of the Leeds Business Improvement District (BID) and recently set up a network for parents working in the property industry.

Senior planner Dan Elvin has ten years’ experience in the private sector having worked for property developers, landowners and consultancies. Prior to joining Planning Potential, Dan worked in Sheffield, Lincoln and Leeds.

Emily Baldasera has also joined Planning Potential’s Harrogate team as a planning assistant. Emily graduated in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Sheffield and had previously developed her knowledge of the planning system through work placements with local authorities.

l HCS Mechanical Services is further strengthening its management team with the appointment of a new director and a health and safety manager.

Ashley Smith is promoted to commercial director. He has been with HCS Mechanical for eight years and will drive the firm’s growth plans following the expansion of its operations into Scotland.

He has overseen some of the biggest projects undertaken by HCS Mechanical Services, including £644,000 of work in six North Yorkshire schools this summer

Experienced health and safety professional Anthony Smith joins the Northallerton-based heating and plumbing business from Hartlepool Borough Council.