People: New MD for property firm; Interiors specialist makes senior hires
Jonathon Matthews has been appointed group managing director of M&G Property and Development Consultants (MGPDC) and McLaughlins Chartered Surveyors to spearhead the group’s expansion plans.
A residential valuation specialist, Matthews formerly headed CBRE’s residential valuation business in the UK regions and was head of the former DTZ’s Midlands residential valuation business.
Following two years running his own housing development company, he latterly worked as a regional valuer at Valunation.
Stoke–based McLaughlins was founded in 1977. Originally focusing on property valuation and building surveying, the company now offers asset management, property development and construction advice and has eight offices, largely in the Midlands and North.
MGPDC was set up in 2019 to acquire and invest in property advisory companies, including surveyors, estate agencies, architects and structural engineers.
Matthews said: “We have ambitious plans to grow the business by acquiring established property consultants. Business is very challenging for many small independents in the property sector at the moment. They have been hit by alarming increases in professional indemnity (PI) insurance and the coronavirus pandemic has reduced workloads. Many of these businesses are run by senior, experienced practitioners, looking for an exit route.
“Our aim is to bring them into the MGPDC fold, providing capital investment and operational support, and removing the PI headache through economies of scale. Businesses in London and South East are currently of particular interest to us, so we can grow our national reach.”
Sean McLaughlin, co-owner of M&GPDC and McLaughlins, said: “Jonathon will bring the best of the corporate world to an established and successful family-owned business. We have the cash and appetite for expansion and look forward to growing the business with Jonathon’s assistance.”
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Estilo Interiors has made two new senior hires.
Derek Matthews has joined the Birmingham-based company’s five-strong design team after 20 years at architectural interiors firm Monteith Scott.
He specialises in corporate workplace interiors and recently designed the fit-out of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ new HQ at 55 Colmore Row.
Estilo, which provides turnkey workplace interior design, refurbishment and fit-out, has also boosted its furniture consultancy arm with the appointment of Kerry Leigh Pearson.
Formerly a director at Studio44, she has more than ten years experience specifying and procuring furniture for corporates.
Andrew Moore, managing director at Estilo Interiors, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on workspaces. Many businesses are re-evaluating how their accommodation works and how to return to full functionality. Some are reconfiguring their space, with others taking the opportunity for transformational change. We have invested in top talent to ensure we can provide creative and effective solutions.
“Derek Matthews is widely regarded as an industry heavyweight and Kerry has a reputation for customer service and delivery. It’s great to have them both on the team.”
Established in 2003, Estilo Interiors turned over £20.4m in its last financial year and is on track to grow to £25m by 2021.
