People: Avison Young; adi Group; Ballards; Sandyford Properties

Rob Robinson has been appointed director at Avison Young bringing more than 20 years of experience and a focus on alternative real estate sectors.

Based in Birmingham, he previously held positions at both JLL and most recently at CBRE and will now be using his knowledge in the valuations team at the strategic real estate advisor.

He formerly played a role in the evolution of the purpose-built student accommodation sector having advised clients on both operational and development assets.

For more than two decades Robinson has been advising a range of clients across many alternative sectors including stadia, arenas, exhibition and conferencing centres, visitor attractions, holiday parks and pubs, working on a regional, national and international scale.

Carl Potter, head of office for Birmingham at Avison Young, said: “Rob is an ideal appointment for the Birmingham office, not only due to his vast experience but also his rare skill set in alternative real estate, meaning there is a fresh perspective he can add to the team.
“With the recent focus on the sporting sector in Birmingham following the Commonwealth Games last year and the ongoing developments in the cultural sectors, Rob provides experience and a significant platform to support major players in our city and we at Avison Young are excited to see what he is able to achieve.”

Robinson said: “I have always been an admirer of Avison Young and the work they have done, especially in the Midlands, which I know very well. Birmingham is an exciting place to be right now following a great year for the city and that appetite to achieve more only seems to be growing amongst the community.

“With my new role as Director, I am keen to add to the ongoing momentum and see where my expertise can really help bolster this.”

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Engineering firm adi Group continues to strengthen its position in the marketplace, with a new senior appointment for its electrical division.

Joining adi Electrical as the division’s new managing director, Simon Concar brings a wealth of electrical engineering expertise as well as team leadership and project management skills to the role.

Concar said: “I am thrilled to have such an exciting challenge ahead of me. I was immediately drawn to the role and to adi as a company, both due to its unique turnkey approach to addressing customer needs, as well as its commitment to operating as a responsible business.

“I am incredibly passionate about improving both people and businesses – I look forward to growing within my new role, helping my team to thrive and delivering effective, innovative solutions for our clients.”

Paul Smith, COO, said: “We believe Simon will be an incredibly valuable asset to the team.

“We are particularly excited about the extensive knowledge and skills Simon brings to the role, as well as his ability to deliver complex projects and develop robust strategies for growth.

“At adi, we operate on a strong belief that it is our employees’ passion, talent and their desire to make a difference for our customers that truly drive the business forward and help deliver positive results – and we look forward to seeing the positive impact Simon will make in his new position.”

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Worcestershire-based accountancy and tax firm Ballards has recently made three promotions across its corporate and private client departments.

James Griffiths is stepping up to the role of senior audit manager where he will lead a team working with large corporate clients across the region.

Adrian Sidaway, who will work alongside Griffiths, has moved to the role of audit manager.

Tamara Shaw, who is both a chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor, becomes private client manager where she will provide high end tax advice and planning to individuals.

Ben Allman, partner at Ballards, said: “Professional development and promoting from within is a key part of what we are about at Ballards. We take great joy in investing into people and watching them progress through their careers. Both Tamara and James joined the firm on our graduate programme and so it has been great to see their development. I would like to congratulate all three on their achievements and wish them luck in their new roles.”

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Sandyford has appointed David Carter, ex managing partner of Caisson Investment Management, as chairman of the group.

Part of his remit will include the strategic expansion of the group’s property portfolio over the next five years.

In late 2008 he left Babcock & Brown to become a founding partner of Caisson Investment Management, an industrial focused UK property investment management group.

As managing partner of the firm for 12 years he oversaw c.£900m of transactions in the multi-let industrial space with the firm achieving an average ungeared return for investors of nearly 18%.

“David has been providing strategic advice to the group, and his appointment as Chairman is a natural progression of this input. David brings a wealth of experience to the firm, which has already helped increase the group’s embedded value. Sandyford has an ambition to materially grow its assets over the coming years and I’m pleased David has agreed to take up this role and help achieve this goal” said Paul Brindley, managing director of Sandyford Property Group.