Property People: Banks Group, Zenko, Hargreaves

Regional developer the Banks Group is building its Yorkshire property team with the addition of two new recruits.

Robert Harding and Matthew Noble have joined the Harewood-based business as a senior development planner and a graduate development planner respectively, and are now working on a range of projects across for both regional housebuilder Banks Homes and property development business Banks Property.

Originally from Hull, Robert Harding is a qualified town planner and has both a degree in Human Geography and a Master’s in Town Planning from Leeds Beckett University.

He brings more than a decade’s industry experience to his new role, having worked with a number of well-known firms in the Yorkshire property development sector delivering planning approvals for major residential and mixed-use projects.

Matthew Noble, who has a Business Management degree and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Newcastle University, has taken up a place on Banks’ latest graduate training programme, which offers recruits support in building the key vocational, technical and professional skills needed for their respective roles.

It also provides them with a range of opportunities to gain hands-on experience on live projects and evolving plans with the support of an experienced team.

Robert Harding says: “I knew the Banks name and reputation, and both the culture of the business and the quality of the people here have really lived up to my expectations.

“My experience is especially relevant to the developing needs of Banks Homes and it’s great to be part of helping to shape the continuing development of this exciting new business.

“We have a really talented team in Yorkshire that is focused on delivering high quality developments for the communities in which we’re working within and on helping both Banks Homes and Banks Property to grow and succeed.”

The Banks Group has 48 years’ experience of developing land for a range of uses including residential and commercial property, mineral extraction and land reclamation.

As well as managing the construction on some of the sites that sister company Banks Property brings forward, Banks Homes is also acquiring its own development sites across Yorkshire and the North East directly from the market.

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Property, adds: “Yorkshire is a key growth area for both Banks Property and Banks Homes, and we’re continuing to invest in building a highly-skilled team here to help us realise our ambitions right across the county.

“Robert adds an impressive range of high-level experience to the team, while Matthew is already showing the skills and dedication required to build a successful career in the property development industry.”

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Zenko Properties has appointed highly experienced property professional Jacqui Pringle as head of operations, property management and compliance.

Jacqui, who brings more than 18 years’ experience to the newly created role, said: “I worked with Leeds city living pioneer Jonathan Morgan for more than five years at Morgans City Living, which was ultimately sold to Linley & Simpson, and then retired and moved to Cumbria.

“I really missed working in property in Leeds however, and when the opportunity arose to work at Zenko Properties, I jumped at it. It’s such an exciting time for the business and with new, bigger offices opening in the heart of Leeds city centre, I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and to playing my part in the growth of what is a very ambitious, but grounded team.”

Partner Jonathan Morgan said, “Jacqui played an integral role during her time at Morgans, and her unmatched experience levels and unique skill sets will free up Zenko’s directors, and specifically managing director, Tobias Duczenko, to focus on business growth, whilst Jacqui takes care of the day-to-day business operations. Jacqui was our first choice for the role, and we’re delighted to have her on board.’’

Managing director Tobias Zenko, said: “We aim to become the go to residential agent of choice in Leeds city centre and bringing Jonathan and now Jacqui into the business will help us to achieve this ambition. We have an impressive reputation in the city centre market for being a reliable and first-rate lettings agent and property manager, and currently manage more than 700 properties, as well as offering residential sales and specialist property investment services.”

Zenko Properties was founded in Leeds city centre in 2015 by Tobias Duczenko. Jonathan Morgan joined Zenko as a partner in 2023 and Jacqui’s appointment will see team numbers bolstered to 10.

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