Evans Jones, the Cheltenham-based firm of property and planning consultants, is celebrating a key milestone in its history - 50 years in business.

To celebrate the occasion, the firm will be hosting an anniversary party on Friday for 100 Gloucestershire businesses from across the property and professional services sector. Guests will enjoy an evening of summer celebration, with a few surprises and hopefully some sunshine along the way!

England Rugby player Phil Vickery's No.3 Restaurant is hosting the party in a unique outdoor venue space, created between the restaurant and Evans Jones' offices in St George's Place.

Established in 1972 by original partners, Eric Evans and Prys Jones, the firm has grown from humble beginnings as a local architectural and technical practice to the multi-disciplinary, nationwide property consultancy it is today.

Now run as a second generation family business by David Jones, the son of original partner, Prys Jones, alongside co-director, Ian Eggleton - the firm has gone from strength to strength.

Managing director David Jones said: "From our first office in Cheltenham's Royal Crescent, we now have offices in London and Reading, with our head office still here in Cheltenham.

"We have survived an oil crisis, the three-day working week, recessions in the 80s and 90s, the financial crisis and now a global pandemic! It has been a cruel few years for everyone and there has certainly been no rule book of how to deal with things."

As for the future, Mr Jones said: "We have some ambitious plans for the next five years. We are building and strengthening our team and have made some key investments in our future growth, especially in our people, processes and technology and are looking to build on a strong foundation created over the last 50 years."

Ian Eggleton, co-director, added: "We work for a fantastic calibre and range of clients, both nationally and locally, and we plan to continue to build our client base in these. We have particular strength in the hotel, leisure and education sectors and these will continue to be a focus for us going forward."

As managing director, David Jones reflects and looks back over his family's business and achievements, his focus remains firmly on the people who have made the company what it is today.

"Whilst this is a milestone to be proud of, the real people to thank here are our clients, our team and the very many of the above who have become friends over the years," he said: "In true Evans Jones style, we look forward to celebrating in style with those who have been with us on our journey."