North East industrial expert moves; Argo recruits asset manager; Knight Frank hires London lease specialist

North East industrial property agent Richard Scott believes the sector remains the "strongest of the commercial property markets" despite headwinds, such as tariffs and increase employment taxes, due to its "healthy levels of demand for good quality stock".

Scott has recently joined Newcastle-based consultancy HTA Real Estate as a director this month, with his new firm describing him as one of the region’s leading industrial property expert. He joins from Savills, where he was a director.

He is working alongside HTA Real Estate founders Nick Atkinson and Simon Hill, together with Douglas Cranston who joined the firm as investment director last year. Scott said: "I am very pleased to be joining HTA Real Estate, which boasts an excellent reputation and a very strong instruction book.”

Hill added: "We have had an excellent year so far and we are on course for a record year of deals in 2025. Richard is a very highly regarded operator and will play an instrumental role in the growth of the firm in the years ahead. We are delighted to bring him onboard."

Argo Real Estate has hired Hope Ayers from JLL as asset manager with the firm focused on growing its urban logistics portfolio and realising brown-to-green repositioning strategy. Ayers has eight years' experience in real estate, specialising in industrial and logistics. She was most recently part of JLL’s industrial tenant representation team, advising occupiers like DP World, Warburtons and Iron Mountain. Mark Kelly, head of asset management at Argo, said: "Her deep sector knowledge and occupier-side experience will be invaluable, with her arrival strengthening our ability to deliver on our strategic growth plans and meet the evolving needs of our tenants and investors."

Knight Frank has appointed Matt Roper to its London lease advisory team, bringing a decade of experience. The property consultancy said Roper will work across all core London submarkets, expanding beyond his previous focus on the City, Midtown and Southbank areas. He has expertise in rent reviews, lease renewals and landlord-tenant negotiations. KF said this is underpinned by a "deep understanding of lease structures and market dynamics". Roper joins from Daniel Watney, where he was a partner. James Thistle, partner and head of London lease advisory, at Knight Frank, said: "Matt is an exceptional operator, and we are thrilled that he’s joined the team."

JLL has appointed Kaye Walker as head of clients in its UK property management business. Walker has stepped up from her role as head of engagement, and head of Bewonder, JLL property management’s marketing and customer experience agency, where she worked with key clients. Having established Bewonder in 2015, Walker has held several leadership roles across the UK property management business. She will lead the client and markets teams including consulting, Bewonder and residential, and provide strategic direction for what JLL describes as its "ongoing transformation programme as it aims to revolutionise the property management industry".

Rach Whitfield, who spearheaded the "Let it – Get it" marketing campaign for Mountpark Bristol 360, has been hired by Wilton Developments, joining as director. Whitfield, who was a development director at Mountpark UK & Ireland, has more than a decade of experience in industrial and logistics development, having worked exclusively on the development side since 2014. The "Let it – Get it" initiative was a UK first, offering a fixed £750,000 commission to the party that first secured an occupier for the Avonmouth facility. She will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of its key existing industrial and logistics projects, as well as expanding its portfolio of schemes.

Joanne McNamara, executive vice-president at Oxford Properties and LandAid Trustee, is encouraging real estate professionals to navigate the ridgelines of the Edale Skyline in the Peak District, as part of the LandAid Trek 2025. The event, which takes place across 18-20 September, aims to raise funds to end youth homelessness, with individuals and teams encouraged to sign up. Logicor, Oxford Properties, and ING Media are supporting the event. Participants will trek for one day across the Edale Skyline before coming together for dinner and an awards evening. Registration closes on 22 August for those joining the physical trek, and 12 September for virtual participants. You can sign up to the event here.

Paul Underwood has been named Realterm's chief executive for Europe. Underwood served as managing director, international funds at Realterm, overseeing its portfolio asset management, leasing operations and financial analysis functions. He will continue to spearhead new product launches and drive regional growth initiatives across the firm's targeted European markets. Brian Oravec was named chief executive, Asia-Pacific at the same time. Bob Fordi, CEO and CIO of Realterm, said: "These strategic appointments underscore Realterm's commitment to strengthening its regional leadership capabilities as the firm continues to expand its global footprint."