James Sparrow, chief executive of Savills UK & EMEA, advised peers to "stay close to clients" during more difficult times for the property market, but insists the outlook for 2024 is more positive than six months ago.
Speaking with CoStar News at Mipim 2024, Sparrow, who was named chief executive in September 2018, predicted some "bumpy" months ahead for the industry and offered insight into how Savills would be approaching the year ahead.
He said: "All you can do in more difficult markets is to stray close to your clients, give honest advice and, if you can, take increase market share, and we've largely done that."
Sparrow referenced the company's takeover of central London retail and leisure agency Nash Bond last year, adding that Savills would look to make more acquisitions where there was the right "cultural fit" among other factors.
"We are looking at continued opportunities to grow and develop the business. Most of our growth and development in the last five to 10 years has been organic, ie, recruitment of individuals or teams.
"[But] we have done acquisitions, some notable ones, and we continue to look out for those."
Watch the video above to hear more of Sparrow's thoughts about UK commercial real estate prospects for this year.