Anniversaries come and go. I rarely pay them much attention certainly historically . Im a planner after all - always looking forward.

Over the weekend a fellow consultant noted it was his work anniversary on my Linkedin feed. Memory jogged. I started sometime in May. A quick diary check showed it was the week of 15 May 2006. So this week I celebrate 15 years of this life called planning consultancy. I remember clearly that Tuesday morning walking into the Main Block foyer of (then) Shire Hall, Mold to commence my first self-employed instruction. 20 hours a week for 3 months helping clear a backlog of planning applications.

I owe thanks to Kay Sheffield (now an Inspector), and Glyn Jones (now retired) for presenting the opportunity and figures to make the jump stack up. To Gary Deane (at David McClean Developments) for advice including “never undervalue yourself” and for sending pre-purchase bank pack planning work to me in that first year or so.

It’s been a pleasure to work with and for some extremely driven, talented and able people along the way as well as the support from some amazing office dogs. Many clients, fellow consultants and supporting businesses, I consider friends. You are too numerous to mention.

It’s also fair to say others have been more challenging - as have I at times.

Longevity is something I’m genuinely proud of but I don’t dwell on it. New and ongoing instructions demand focus now. However, I hope in my own small way during the period, its helped you solve your problems, clarified your thoughts or deliver your opportunities. For the time being the plan is to carry on doing well what is done well, but perhaps not for another 15 years.

The world is very different to when I embarked on this journey, but challenges and issues remain. Wales has just appointed its first Climate Change Minister. A step of far greater significance than a mere name, I have no doubt of the challenges ahead.

I cannot finish without saying that throughout, 3 wonderful people have always been here. No words can ever express my gratitude and love for them. Just “thank you”.

Px