AssetSphere comprises a specialist, independent team of rural property and planning consultants headed by Richard Edge and Alex Orttewell. We work closely with Chris Beaver from our sister company PlanningSphere on development plan promotions and larger complex developments. Clients tell us they like our proactive, personal – and personalised – approach, as well as our energy, insight and innovative thinking.
We’re on your side
We’re highly practised at creating effective, innovative solutions to common and uncommon challenges, and have a proven track record of helping clients achieve their objectives in a full range of rural property and planning matters.
We’re on your wavelength
We live in – and love – the area that we serve, and are acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities the region faces.
Each member of the AssetSphere team is a highly qualified expert in their field, and many of us have practical experience of working ‘your side of the fence’.
We’re on your doorstep
From our office in Sherborne we’re well placed to meet the needs of clients in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and the South West.
You’re very welcome to visit us, but we are always more than happy to come to you, wherever you’re based in the region. We’re also equipped for face-to-face video meetings online.
THE ASSETSPHERE TEAM
Richard Edge MPhil BSc (Hons) MRICS
Richard has over 30 years’ experience as a rural surveyor. He has worked for two multinationals and a regional property company, and in 2000 he set up the independent rural property consultancy, Assetoptimal. In 2018, the company changed its name to AssetSphere. Richard specialises in planning and development advice and estate management.
Alex Orttewell Dip FM MRAU
Alex trained in farm management at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. He has over 10 years’ hands-on farm management experience. In 2005 he transferred those skills to form a land agency company, A O Consultancy. In 2018 this merged with Assetoptimal to form AssetSphere. Alex specialises in utility compensation work and renewable energy, as well as the Basic Payment Scheme and other agri-environment schemes.
Julie Chandler MA MRTPI
Julie has over 14 years’ experience in planning and development. She has worked within both the public and private sectors, for a local authority as a planning officer, and as a private planning consultant. Julie specialises in site appraisals, planning advice, appeals and agricultural permitted development.
Helen Harwood
Helen is a personal assistant to Richard and Alex. She has over 30 years’ experience in banking, the last 10 years as a Business Manager, and a wealth of knowledge of the rural business sector in Somerset.
Mireille Patrick BA (Hons)
Mireille graduated in 2018 with a degree in Architecture and Planning from the University of the West of England. Following this she worked in an architecture practice as a Part 1 architectural assistant. She joined AssetSphere in 2021 as a planning assistant and drawing technician. She brings an understanding of both architecture and planning, and hopes to become a Chartered Planner in the coming years.
Sophie Hole
Sophie joined the team after working for a rural insurance company and completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship. As an Estates Assistant, she will be working with all aspects of estate/rural administration, as well as the day-to-day running of the office. Having grown up on a farm in Dorset, she is hoping to build her knowledge on Grant Schemes and Stewardship Applications while carrying out this role.
Chris Beaver BSc (Hons) MA MRTPI
Chris is the head of PlanningSphere, our sister company and the leading Bath-based independent planning consultancy specialising in complex planning applications, land promotion and appeals. For over 10 years, Richard, Chris and Alex have been collaborating on complex sites that complement each company’s geographic coverage and areas of expertise.