Ardent Appoints Development Director

Amid a period of rapid expansion, the firm has created a senior post and selected Steven Manifold to lead its development-focused consulting practice at Ardent. Across complex infrastructure delivery, support for customers includes due diligence, statutory consents and community engagement tied to land rights, under a consultancy model built for complex schemes.

Ardent Strengthens Consultancy Footing

Across a career spanning more than twenty years, Manifold has qualified as a chartered surveyor and delivered mandates across the public and private sector throughout the North West. Among earlier roles, he led delivery at Bury Metropolitan Borough Council on a flexible events hall and market initiative and a wide-ranging renewal programme for the borough’s central area.

Mandate Aligned With the Director of Regeneration Agenda

In the immediate term, his attention will center on assignments in Greater Manchester and the wider North West. Through a wider brief, the company can expand its regional offering to clients across utility networks, renewable energy schemes, transport links, and regeneration and development programmes throughout the region.

At its core, the organisation seeks to create lasting improvements for people today and for future generations. Evidence-led tools and methods underpin streamlined processes, with statutory approvals and land interests managed alongside early, open dialogue with landholders, local communities and consultees. For large infrastructure, the team uses flexible routes to secure access and acquire interests, integrating engagement from the outset.

Reacting to the move, Manifold said he is thrilled to join at a pivotal moment, noting major schemes gathering pace across the North West. He added that further mayoral-led development corporations across the city-region could unlock regeneration in Bolton, Ashton and Oldham, alongside the widely discussed Old Trafford proposals.