People on the Move: Investar Property Group; Koncept ID; St John’s Buildings; Myerson Solicitors

Investar Property Group has appointed a new investment director to help deliver strategic development projects anchored by the public sector and, ultimately, drive the continuous growth of the company.

Geoff Willis has joined the Manchester-based property development and investment firm with more than 20 years’ industry experience.

As investment director at Investar Property Group, Geoff will focus on aligning the requirements of investors with development opportunities, while ensuring the smooth delivery of projects.

Geoff and Investar Property Group are particularly interested in investment purchases that promise long-term development potential.

He has worked in multiple senior roles across the property sector, most recently as a director at Craigleith Property Group where he facilitated a number of significant investment and development deals, including Central Docks, part of Liverpool Waters, and The Loom in Ancoats. He also established the company’s Manchester office.

Other past employers include Manchester City Council and CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm.

Geoff said: “Investar is at the forefront of the property market in the North West, so I was delighted with the opportunity to join the team here.

“It was also important for me to join a company that prioritises local communities and the residents of its developments, as Investar Property Group most certainly does.

“My industry experience has allowed me to build a strong foundation of investment and development relationships, which I look forward to strengthening as part of the expert team here at Investar.”

Michael Dong, chief executive, said: “It’s wonderful to have Geoff on board. His enviable industry experience will help to drive Investar’s progression as a leading developer and investment partner, both in the UK and internationally.”

Investar’s mission is to deliver 10,000 homes over the next 10 years. It has a current pipeline of 1,250 units with a GDV of £200m.

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Interior design consultancy, Koncept ID, has bolstered its creative team following the appointment of three new designers.

The Manchester-based hospitality specialist has welcomed the new team members at a time of rapid growth, following the recent wins of several large scale contracts.

Catherine Currie has joined the business as senior interior designer having worked within the industry for almost two decades across the UK, Ireland and New Zealand. She has gained valuable experience in multiple sectors and sat at the helm of award-winning schemes.

She said: “I’m passionate about really getting to know my clients to gain a crystal-clear understanding of their hopes for a design. There’s nothing more satisfying than delivering a project that not only ticks the boxes, but goes above and beyond their expectations – that’s what it’s all about.

From left: Clive Walters, Matthew Austin, Catherine Currie

“I look forward to joining the Koncept ID team, sharing my knowledge and experience and learning from others as we collaborate on some really exciting schemes.”

Clive Walters has also joined the business as senior interior designer and brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in the industry for more than nine years. His previous work includes developing furniture and products for manufacturers, as well as working for practices on designs from concept through to completion.

He said: “Koncept ID has a brilliant reputation within the industry for delivering visionary and unique designs. I’ve admired the consultancy’s work for many years and it’s brilliant to be playing my part in a future of successful projects.

“This is an exciting new role that promises challenge and variety and I look forward to working with some of the country’s most exciting hoteliers in upcoming projects.”

Koncept ID has also appointed Matthew Austin as a junior interior designer. He has recently graduated from University of Salford with a First in interior design and demonstrated impressive skills across a range of programmes.

Director, Jenny Denton, said: “We’re always on the look out for the industry’s future stars and most prized talent.

“It’s fantastic to welcome our new designers and we are absolutely committed to nurturing their careers – all three new team members are already having an impact on significant projects and it’s wonderful to see their creativity in action.”

The award winning interior design firm works with brands including intu, Hilton and Novotel.

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After spending 35 years as a solicitor practising in children law, Andrew Mountain has transferred to the Bar and joined St John’s Buildings, becoming an integral part of its family law team.

Andrew is recognised as one of the top family and children law lawyers in the country.

During his time as a solicitor Andrew provided services to both individuals and local authorities, and was an accredited member of the Law Society Children Panel. He has a wealth of experience which includes complex and high profile cases.

Having spent 14 years as an equity partner in a solicitors’ firm with one of the largest family law departments in the country, Andrew has represented children in the Rochdale sexual abuse scandal and the gang-related murder of police officers and family members in Greater Manchester.

Andrew Mountain

Chris Ronan, chief executive at St John’s Buildings, said: “Andrew has a vast amount of experience in children law and we are delighted that he has chosen to join Chambers.

“We ended 2019 by being named both Chambers of the Year and Clerking Team of the Year at the Family Law Awards. It’s great to begin 2020 with the announcement of a new member who will further strengthen our impressive reputation.”

Andrew said: “When I made the decision to transfer to the Bar, I knew that St John’s Buildings was the Chambers I wanted to join. Their reputation within family and child law is second to none, and the breadth of knowledge in the team means every case can benefit from a true expert in that area of law.

“I look forward to working with the excellent team already in place and supporting St John’s Buildings in maintaining its reputation as the best Chambers for family law.”

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Altrincham-based Myerson Solicitors has appointed real estate specialist, Ian Gordon, to join its real estate group.

Ian joins the firm from JMW in Manchester, where he was head of the real estate team.

Ian retired from the partnership at JMW after 31 years with the firm and joined Myerson in January 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience of all areas of real estate, particularly development work.

Ian’s arrival comes at a time of rapid expansion for the Myerson Real Estate Group, which now numbers more than 30 people, including six partners.

The team is a full-service property group with specialists in core real estate and development, residential development and plot sales, residential property, construction and real estate litigation.

Ian Gordon and Joanne Perritt

Joanne Perritt, head of real estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the team. His vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable in the continued development of our real estate group and will enable us to further enhance our offering to the property sector in the North West and beyond.

“Ian’s client and contact base is extremely complementary to our own and we believe that the integration of the two will lead to our team further cementing our position as one of the largest and most experienced real estate groups in the North West.

“Our real estate team has recently maintained its status as a “TopTier” firm in the Legal 500 2020 edition, in which Ian was also named as a leading individual, and we are thrilled to have been shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards, which will be judged in the coming months.”