Marrons builds on socio-economic capability with two senior appointments

Planning, design, and development consultancy Marrons has grown its socio-economic team with two senior appointments to enhance its evidence-led strategy offering and respond to rising demand across the UK.
Patrick Ransom and Aaron Leadbeater have joined Marrons as an economics director and senior socio-economic planner, respectively.

These strategic appointments build on Marrons’ continued investment in its socio-economics capability, which helps clients understand and communicate the social and economic value of development. The strengthened team will enhance the consultancy’s capacity to deliver high-quality economic impact assessments, employment land studies, and socio-economic strategies for public and private sector clients.

Patrick brings more than a decade of experience in economic strategy, impact assessment, and forecasting, which he gained through earlier roles at Avison Young, Hatch Regeneris, and Westminster City Council.
At Marrons, he will grow the consultancy’s socio-economic offering nationally, shaping its strategic direction and supporting clients to build a case for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Patrick said: “The energy, ambition, and collaborative culture at Marrons greatly appealed to me and I believe this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a talented team. I’m looking forward to helping shape developments that deliver genuine economic and social value for local communities.”

Aaron also joins from Avison Young, where he specialised in socio-economic and regeneration consultancy within its place advisory team. He brings extensive experience in economic development, employment land and workspace studies, and has delivered strategic projects for local authorities and developers across the country.

Aaron said: “The multidisciplinary approach at Marrons creates exciting opportunities to bring together socio-economic evidence with planning and design expertise. I’m passionate about using data-led research to show how developments can deliver tangible benefits to local communities and build stronger, more inclusive economies.”

The appointments come as Marrons continues to experience strong growth across its multidisciplinary services – which also includes planning, architecture, heritage and master planning – reflecting rising demand for integrated consultancy support that combines technical excellence with strategic insight.

Simon Macklen, partner and head of socio-economics at Marrons, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Patrick and Aaron to our growing team. Their appointments represent another important step in building one of the UK’s leading socio-economic teams.

"As demand continues to grow for socio-economic expertise within the development process, their experience and insight strengthens our position as a trusted partner for clients across the country.”

The broader socio-economic team also comprises Dan Usher, who joined Marrons as an economics director in 2022, bringing expertise in housing need, real estate markets and socio-economic assessment, and Isabelle Woodville-Hill, who joined Marrons as a socio economic planner in 2024, specialising in demographic research, evidence-based planning, and socio-economic and health impact assessments.

By combining strong socio-economic analysis with strategic and technical expertise, Marrons helps clients make informed decisions, demonstrate value, and achieve successful, community-focused developments across the UK.