Currently PFK's head of planning, Rachel takes up her new role this month after a successful year which has seen the planning department go from strength to strength, with an expanding clientele and a growing team.

Originally from Carlisle, Rachel studied at university in Bristol, then worked as a development control officer at Eden District Council and Carlisle City Council.

She then made the move into the private sector as a planner for Story Homes. While there, she worked on sites for immediate development as well as identifying land for long-term opportunities.

She left to set up her own business - Positive Planning Solutions - which she ran for five years before joining PFK, where she expanded the planning department.

This year has seen the department has grown its service provision to clients in housebuilding sectors and local authority support services.

Rachel said: “I hope to contribute to the continued expansion of the brand. By working closely with managing director Stephen Lancaster and combining our skills, we will place the business on a great footing.”

Stephen Lancaster added: "I have been impressed with the positive impact Rachel has had on the planning department and business at large.

"It seems a natural choice to extend the reach of her skills from planning to the overall PFK business and with her appointment as a director she is enabled to do this.’’

PFK chairman Jeanette Brown said: "This is an exciting time for PFK. With an invigorated board and a fresh outlook, the timing is perfect for Rachel to join the team."

As one of the largest property and land service groups in Cumbria, PFK has more than 140 years of successful trading history, with strong community relationships and extensive knowledge of the local property market.