New MD for Swindon-based PFA Consulting

PFA Consulting has welcomed its new Managing Director at the start of its 40th year in business and had a brand and website refresh.

The transport planning, infrastructure design and water management consultancy, based in Swindon, has appointed Gareth Lambert-Jones to the role, taking over from outgoing MD Chris Isherwood.

PFA Consulting is described as a true Wiltshire success story, with Chairman Peter Finlayson establishing the company in 1985 and opening its first office in Royal Wootton Bassett the following year.

PFA moved to Swindon's Stratton Park House in 2003, where it has continued to build its portfolio of successful projects throughout the UK.

Gareth joined the business at 23 years old in 2000 as a Project Manager, having gained experience in preceding years at multi-national engineering consultancy Oscar Faber. Having worked his way up the career ladder over 25 years, he was appointed Director in 2023 and subsequently Managing Director at the start of 2025.

Gareth said: "I'm both proud and honoured to be taking over the reins from our outgoing MD Chris Isherwood, and Peter Finlayson before him. Chris has undertaken a fantastic job at the helm of PFA for 10 years and will continue to play an important role within the business as a Director.

"I would like to thank both Peter and Chris on behalf of the entire team for their hard work and dedication. 

"On a personal level, I’m excited to be taking on this next challenge in my career. PFA has a strong reputation in the industry and I will continue to work with our committed team of specialists to support our clients and their ambitions.”

Outgoing Managing Director Chris Isherwood said: "Gareth has been with the company for 25 years and over that time he has grown through the ranks as a result of his hard work, expertise and excellent service to clients.

"He takes over as the company enters its 40th year, during which time it has become a well-respected consultancy looking to provide a first-class service to the development sector.

"It has both been a pleasure and an honour to have held the position of MD for 10 years.”

To mark its 40-year milestone, the company has updated its branding and website as it looks ahead to the next 40 years at the forefront of vision-led sustainable planning and engineering.

Today PFA continues to develop as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), giving its employees a greater say in the direction of the business and a stake in its future.

Gareth added: “The EOT model shows the commitment of our team to the future of PFA Consulting. It's the culmination of many years' hard work and the dedication of the brilliant individuals who offer their expertise and support to our clients.

"It's very fitting that we all have a stake and a say in the future of our business. As an example of this, every team member at PFA has been involved in the company brand update, which now reflects the aspirations of the business for the future as an EOT."