Hartnell Taylor Cook, the Bristol-based chartered surveying firm, has appointed Stuart Howell as its new managing partner.
Mr Howell, pictured, takes over from John Rand, who has successfully led the business for five years – a period which has been one of the most difficult experienced by the UK commercial property market. 
The business has continued to expand despite the tough conditions, especially in property and asset management and the project & building consultancy discipline. It has retained many clients and increased its instruction base with Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Asda among new business wins
Mr Rand will remain with the firm as head of professional services.
Mr Howell joined Hartnell Taylor Cook’s London office from GRE Properties in 1990. He has been responsible for the expansion of the property and asset management department into one of the leading teams in the UK and earlier this year was included on the Government Procurement Services (GPS) Estates Professional Services Framework, providing the opportunity to expand its public sector team.
The firm has also just been instructed to provide an estates strategy advice to the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.
Mr Howell said: “I am delighted to be taking over as managing partner at this exciting time as the economy is beginning to emerge from recession, opening up many new opportunities for the business.”
Mr Rand added: “The last five years has been a very challenging time for all businesses and I felt the time was right to step down so that I can concentrate on my professional work. I know Stuart will drive the business forward to further success.”
