The Bristol office of commercial property agents Colliers International has been strengthened in response to a significant increase in activity in the sector.
The firm’s development consulting team has appointed Ben Meynell to help deal with a range of local authority, institutional and private company clients predominantly on residential developments across the South West.
Ben joins after spending three years with the retail and roadside team at Innes England property consultants in Nottingham.
He said: “Development has always been an area of property that I have wanted to focus on. With the market starting to pick up I felt it was the right time to move.”
Also joining the development consulting team, led by Chris Dawson, is Andrew Frost, originally from Florida but now living in Bristol. Andrew is on a property development and planning course at UWE.
The team’s current projects include the sale of a 14-acre former school site in Swindon as well as advising clients on the viability of a number of re-development projects across the region.
Mr Dawson said: “The market is now more active and we have seen an increase in opportunities to pitch for new business.
“We feel that clients require an increasingly holistic approach in delivering property solutions so Ben and Andrew will undoubtedly be working closely with many of the other teams here such as planning, valuation and office agency.”
Also joining the Bristol office is Jessica Jones, who will be working as a senior surveyor in the investment property management team.
The team, led by Mike Bull, is rolling out an ambitious sustainable energy programme for commercial properties across the company’s UK portfolio.
Mr Bull said: “Although the commercial property sector is clearly emerging from the downturn, investors and landlords will be looking to maintain tight control over their energy bills, everyday running costs and their waste management policies.
“Jessica will help us deliver the most effective management programmes, making it as easy for our clients and their tenants to be as sustainable and cost effective as possible.”
The team has just signed a ground-breaking framework agreement which means that all its electricity comes from 100% green energy sources.
Head of Colliers Bristol office Tim Davies added: “I am pleased to welcome Ben, Jessica and Andrew, all of whom have made a positive impact since they started.
“The fact we continue to recruit youth is recognition of the different perspective they can bring to our office. It also reflects Colliers policy of developing surveying talent.”
Colliers has more than 480 offices in 62 countries including 12 UK bases employing more than 700 staff.
Pictured, from left: Chris Dawson, Ben Meynell, Andrew Frost, Jessica Jones and Mike Bull
