Appointment to lead real estate firm’s trans Pennine expansion

Real estate consultancy OBI has appointed Oliver Stainsby to launch its Leeds office following a series of new business wins.

Stainsby has previously worked at Colliers International and will be servicing OBI’s Leeds clients from its recently launched private space inside Avenue HQ.

Alongside former Cushman and Wakefield director Rob Prescott, he will spearhead OBI’s growth in Leeds.

OBI has already been named as joint agents in the recently approved 330,000 sq ft Wellington Street scheme – set to be one of the largest office buildings in the city – and is also working with long-standing client Allied London in Leeds.

Stainsby’s appointment brings Manchester-headquartered OBI’s headcount to 34 people.

OBI co-founder Will Lewis said: “We are delighted to be launching in Leeds and ready to hit the ground running.

“Oliver and Rob were both hired to spearhead our Leeds office. We have a unique skill-set which sets our business apart and focuses on delivering excellent results for our loyal clients and we are relishing and excited about taking on a new market.”

Founded in 2010 by Will Lewis and Dominic Horridge, OBI’s landlord and occupier clients include Aviva Investors, Bruntwood, Schroders, Kinrise, Property Alliance Group, Booking.com, Morson Group, AO.com and The Hut Group (THG).

In both Manchester and Leeds OBI provides advice to clients across its multi-discipline services, which include leasing and investment, office acquisitions, building consultancy, business relocations, interior design, project management and dilapidations.

Stainsby said: “The opportunity to join OBI was one I couldn’t turn down. I am fully aware of what they have achieved in Manchester and am very excited to replicate this success in Leeds working closely with Rob Prescott and the wider OBI team.”

“We are already working with a number of dynamic clients in a vibrant and ambitious city.”