My name is Colin Smith, I have been established for over 30 years and over that time have been involved with hundreds of planning issues and resolved a great many of them positively for my clients.

With wide experience in all areas of buildings and planning regulation, I help people make the most out of their property or any land they may own.

The important factor is in knowing what you can and cannot do with a property or area of land. So, with an insight into building controls, planning policy and law, I can help find a practical and economical solution.

I work with clients so they achieve value out of their property in a way which will usually give them more space, enable them to expand, or realise a land asset.

In terms of land, I advise on the options available and the potential uses of that land, whether that is a residential property or number of properties or other use. I will oversee the design process and liaise with the Local Authority and obtain necessary approvals.

I have extensive knowledge of planning regulations and controls, hands-on construction know-how, can project manage, and possess an acute understanding of planning law and policies.

I am widely regarded as a key authority on commercial to residential conversions using strategically applied permitted development rights.

Relationships are key to the process – with both the client and the planning authority – and through my experience, knowledge and contacts, offer a comprehensive “one-stop shop” service to all planning and building needs.

My early experience was in private architectural practice, learning the art of drawing and design and helping the company become one of the early adopters of CAD (computer-aided-design).

On becoming self-employed, I ran an architectural, property and design business and co-ordinated a design and building team on a wide range of domestic projects.

Whether it is an extension, conversion or new-build, I offer a complete planning consultancy through helping secure planning permission, providing expert advice, estimates, liaison with councils and builders and troubleshooting.

“I am passionate about making a positive impact and contributing to the success within the property industry, whether it be a new build or a family rental property. By leveraging my expertise and experience in property development, I aim to deliver exceptional results and drive sustainable growth. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills and enthusiasm to new challenges and to contribute to the ongoing success of my next property project”.

My name is Tony Power. I am a legal consultant with a specialist focus on contract clarity, compliance, and strategic legal thinking in the property investment and development sector. My background spans academic law, court advocacy, regulatory insight, and bespoke legal consultancy. I bring over a decade of experience in advising on complex legal matters involving property transactions, investor agreements, JCT contracts, loan structures, and commercial tenancies.

I founded Empowerment Legal Consultancy (www.emp-lc.com) to bridge the gap between legal theory and commercial reality—supporting clients to make clear, informed, and contractually robust decisions. I advise developers, investors, property educators, and professionals across England and Wales, always with a focus on protecting outcomes and pre-empting disputes.

My role with JC Blackwell Group Ltd is as an independent legal consultant, providing specialist support on selected matters including contractual drafting, strategic risk mitigation, and legal documentation review. I am not a director, employee, or equity partner of the company. I work on a referral basis and retain professional independence from all client organisations.

Over the years, I have developed a reputation for “barristerial thinking with practical and commercial understanding” helping clients think more clearly, negotiate more effectively, and avoid legal pitfalls through precision and perspective. I do not conduct reserved legal activities such as litigation or conveyancing, but instead operate in the advisory and compliance space, ensuring investors, partners, and developers are legally informed at every stage.

My work draws on a background that includes, Policing, business owner, accredited expert witness, County Court Advocate, and lecturing in law at Canterbury Christ Church University. I remain a member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, the CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives), and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Whether reviewing a joint venture agreement, clarifying the limits of permitted development, or helping a developer present a compliant investor pack, I ensure that clients understand both the legal landscape and the practical consequences of their choices.

More information about my work can be found at www.emp-lc.com