Ratcliffe to lead agency arm for Colenso
The York-based commercial property firm has installed James Ratcliffe as partner to launch the new division as it expands from estates and facilities management.
Colenso already offers management services to property investors in the city and beyond, being responsible for around £200m of commercial property nationally.
The firm’s expansion comes following increased profitability for the business and after it spotted a gap in the local market for a dedicated commercial agency.
Ratcliffe, a well known figure in the regional industry, spent seven years at Avison Young before setting up his own consultancy advising some of the country’s biggest landlords and occupiers.
He joins Colenso’s head of estates Charles Harrison and head of facilities management Lucy Glasby as partners in the business.
The commercial agency division will support landlords, developers and occupiers with expertise primarily across leasing, letting, and buying and selling of retail, leisure, office and industrial property.
Ratcliffe said: “Having known and respected Charles, Lucy and the wider Colenso team for several years, and having seen the ongoing success the business has achieved, the decision to join was an easy one.
“There is a real gap in the commercial agency market in York and we are confident that our best in class approach, dovetailing industry leading knowledge and experience with modern marketing methods, will be a successful formula.
“Since my recent appointment we have won several instructions and closed transactions in York on behalf of several clients. We are excited about building on this positive start, and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with my extensive network and ensuring that Colenso continues to have a positive impact on the built environment and economy in York and beyond.”
Harrison added: “James is a first rate, talented and highly experienced commercial property professional and we are absolutely thrilled to have him join Colenso in this next phase of our growth journey.
“The ongoing success of our property and asset management and facilities management divisions, allied with a clear market demand, has enabled us to further expand our offering into commercial agency.”
Operating throughout the UK with notable tenants including the likes of Boots, WHSmith, Caffè Nero, Wagamama, Prezzo, Stonegate Group, Halfords, Pets at Home, Defra, the UK government, and Lloyds TSB to name a few. Colenso is particularly active in and around the Yorkshire area.
The company’s current portfolio includes a significant proportion of the city centres retail offering, large commercial office parks, including Monks Cross North and Clifton Park, as well as industrial property across the region.
