As part of a string of 25 promotions across its UK network the commercial property agent GVA has created seven new directors in a single Midlands’ office.
The promotions cover a broad cross range of the company’s business units reflecting, the agency says, the recent confidence upswing in the property market.
Christine Mercer-Smith and Ash Patel, from the property management accounts team, Rob Thorley from the planning, development and regeneration team, and valuation consultants Martin Patrick and Mark Shelley have all been promoted to director, along with Michael Close from the building team and Sam Lawrence, a property management consultant.
“As market sentiment continues to improve, it is vital that we ensure our teams are ready to face increasing demands from all sectors of the industry,” commented GVA’s senior regional director, Ian Stringer. “These promotions will ensure that we are fully prepared to meet our clients’ needs at every stage.”
Richard Brown — a planning professional whose clients have included ASDA, Calthorpe Estates, IM Properties, Tyrrells Crisps, and Coventry City Council among other local authorities — is being reunited with former colleague, Gary Cardin, with a move to CBRE.
Brown is joining the real estate company as an associate director within its national planning team from Deloitte Real Estate in Birmingham where he worked for 12 years. Cardin joined CBRE as senior director and head of the Midlands’ planning team from Deloitte earlier this year.
Liverpool law firm Cassell Moore has appointed a Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners UK key lawyer to head its real estate team.
Peter Barlow was recruited from Hill Dickinson where he worked for 20 years and was a senior equity partner for the past 13 years. His experience includes working with business, registered social landlords, NHS bodies, local authorities and other public and private sector clients.
Bond Dickinson has appointed two new partners from its property teams across the UK. Katherine Douglas, who works out of the company’s Bristol office, and Southampton-based Verity Waington both join the law firm’s 152 partners nationwide.
After nine years at Napthens Solicitors, Richard Clithero has joined the commercial property team at Forbes Solicitors as an associate.
“The demand for legal advice in the commercial property sector is increasing and with his experience and local knowledge, Richard is a great addition to the team,” said, commercial property partner, Adam Bromley. With six offices across the North West, Clithero will bring the firm’s commercial estates team up to ten and will concentrate on East Lancashire and Preston-based clients.
With this year’s business set to overtake its record breaking 2013 returns, York-based property and development company S Harrison has hired Steve McManaman to strengthen its delivery team.
He is moving from Miller Construction where he was area director for the Yorkshire region. During his career, McManaman — who has worked with the Yorkshire firm on a number of major schemes — has been responsible for over £350m of construction projects across a variety of sectors including, health, education, retail, rail and leisure.
Story: Cliff Goodwin
Photo: Neil Bird
