Geoff Heppell, a director of consulting engineer Buro Four, is leaving to take up a post with Warwickshire-based developer and consultant Pettifer Group.

Heppell, who has been with Buro Four for 20 years, will become managing director of Pettifer’s three consultancy businesses. This is a further indication of Pettifer’s ambition to expand its consultancy services.

Heppell said: “I’ll take forward the existing services provided by these companies and develop new ones to meet the demands of both the property and construction industries.”

David Pelter, Buro Four’s founding director, said: “It’s sad to lose a friend but it has been discussed over months.”

Last year, Pettifer posted pre-tax profit of £810,000, compared with £750,000 in 2005.