In our latest Team TPS spotlight, we have Jacob Atkinson. Jacob joined us in 2022 and has since been promoted to Consultant Transport Planner. Find out more about his role and what he typically gets up to at TPS…
What is your role at TPS and how long have you been here?
I joined TPS just over 12 months ago as a Graduate Transport Planner. Since then, I have been promoted to Consultant Transport Planner and work primarily on Development Planning in tandem with John and Georgina, on a range of projects. In recent months, I have taken on more responsibility within the team on a day-to-day basis through attending business development events, conducting site visits, enrolling in personal development training courses, and growing client relationships.
I also assist the Travel Planning team on projects across the country, with particular focus on the education and residential sectors.
What do you get up to on a typical day at work?
As mentioned, my primary focus is Development Planning. On a typical workday, this can involve the writing of Fee Proposals, Technical Notes or Transport Statements/Assessments, all of which I have developed a broader role in preparing over the last 6 months. Where previously I would draft a report and pass it on to be finalised, I now undertake a range of technical work which supports the basis of our argument and the clients application, including junctions modelling, swept path analysis, visibility splays and traffic flow diagrams.
Tell us something that your connections might be interested to know about you?
In a work-related context, I have inadvertently continued the trend of Sheffield Hallam University graduates joining TPS. With a background in Human Geography and Urban Planning, I somewhat stumbled into Transport Planning after my plans to travel were scuppered by COVID and have never looked back! However, I still have the passion and interest for travelling and exploring new places, and plan on going interrailing with my partner in 2024. If anyone has any ‘must-see’ destinations, please shout up.
What’s your favourite thing to have worked on in the last month?
I enjoy the fast-paced nature of Development Planning, and I recently won the office speed typing contest, so naturally there are a lot of projects to choose from… With this being said, we were recently appointed to assist with proposals for the consolidation of a number of medical centres in Sheffield, to form three new medical hubs. I had a prominent role in the preparation and delivery of these reports and enjoyed my first real involvement in the health sector, so it would have to be that.
How do you wind down out of work?
Outside of work, I’m learning to embrace the internal conflict of ‘pub vs gym’. Living in Sheffield, everything is on our doorstep and, as a result, there is usually only one winner. Aside from a pint of Guinness and pub snacks, I enjoy watching football and occasionally coming out of retirement to play, whilst also having a keen interest in the NFL. I’d class myself as a bit of a film buff and regularly look for an excuse to go to the cinema. The same can be said for comedy shows and music festivals / events. My favourite event of 2023 so far has to be the Arctic Monkeys, and the one I’m most looking forward to would be Peter Kay, in December.