National transport planning consultancy Vectos has opened an office in Bristol in a move it says underlines its confidence in the West region’s economy.
The base in Prince Street will employ seven people. The firm has also chosen Bristol to launch its new drainage, flood risk and hydrology offer. 
Founding director Ian Dix said the move was driven by market demand and the region’s strong economic performance.
The firm which employs more than 100 people in offices in Cardiff, London, Manchester, Birmingham and Italy. It has also announced plans to open an office in Exeter.
Mr Dix said: “After five years in business we are delighted to expand into Bristol. The city has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country and we are seeing that driving demand across the wider region.
“We’re especially pleased to be launching our new drainage, flood risk and hydrology team out of Bristol. This will strengthen our presence in the South West and broaden our expertise. This new service offering will be utilised across the entire business, providing more convenient and comprehensive services to our clients.”
Transport planning and infrastructure design company Vectos works with the property development industry in the planning process. It has helped to secure planning permission for major schemes from the Olympic Park in London to Bristol’s Abbey Wood Shopping Park and Hinkley Point C in Somerset.
The Bristol office will be led by Neil Brant, who has 30 years’ experience and was previously responsible for the traffic and transportation business for consultancy WSP’s Bristol and Exeter offices.
He will be joining the Vectos board as a director and has been instrumental in establishing the new South West regional presence for Vectos. The drainage, flood risk and hydrology team will be led by expert Dr Andrew Clay.
Neil said: “It’s as apparent today as it has been throughout my 30 years in the profession that the development sector requires niche companies that are suitably agile yet have the full breadth of capability to deliver the specialist commercial solutions required in a constantly evolving environment.
“The depth of knowledge and experience that Vectos brings is immense and that is now reflected on a regional basis across the South West of England.”
