Prideview principals on podcast; Barratt Redrow CFO hire; ULI Europe adds vice-president of new business

Nilesh Patel, principal at commercial property consultancy Prideview Group, says it is hard to put a price on the advantages of working with his close family.

Speaking to CoStar News on a bonus episode of the Top CREdentials podcast with his brother and fellow principal, Jesal, Nilesh argues the innate trust between the group has helped to drive its success. "[It] is something that is very hard to get in the outside world," he adds.

The pair discuss the importance of building business relationships away from the computer and explain their approach to property investment in the face of continuous geopolitical speed bumps.

Jesal also speaks about the group's decision to open a central London office in Marylebone for its agency business and why the family office, Eastway Estates, has been more active in the capital recently, buying in South Kensington this month.

Ahead of the group's annual charity cricket tournament next month, Nilesh previews the competition and its star guests, which this year include former Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan, along with a number of ex-professionals.

Housebuilder Barratt Redrow has confirmed the appointment of Rebecca Napier as chief financial officer and executive director of the group. Napier will join the developer on 3 August. She was most recently CFO of soft drinks producer Britvic until its acquisition by Carlsberg Group last year. Napier also spent 17 years at airline group IAG, including as CFO of British Airways, and began her career at Deloitte, having qualified as a chartered accountant. "I look forward to working with colleagues across the business to support disciplined execution and drive long-term value for customers, communities and shareholders," she said.

The Urban Land Institute Europe has named Alan Dalgleish as vice-president new business. Dalgleish has more than 35 years of international real estate experience and most recently served as executive director of the Property Research Trust. He was also chief executive of ANREV from 2012 to 2019, while his earlier career included senior roles with CBRE, Colliers International and Hongkong Land. The recruit will lead the organisation’s approach to individual and corporate membership, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and account management across Europe. He reports to Simon Durkin, ULI Europe chief executive.

Ollie Lazarus, founder of OL Investments, the boutique investment and development advisory operating across the London property market, has formally launched the business. The firm began trading in October and has now officially revealed its brand identity and website. Lazarus, who was most recently a senior negotiator at London adviser Susskind, said the business had been operating thanks to "longstanding industry relationships, repeat business, and a commitment to delivering high-quality advisory services". The business, which focuses on retail, industrial, office, hospitality and residential assets, has completed five deals since being operational.

Real Estate:Scotland, the new lobby group for the country's real estate industry chaired by JLL's Cameron Stott, launched at Edinburgh’s W Hotel this week following the merger of the Scottish Property Federation, the Association of Real Estate Funds and the Investment Property Forum. RE: Scotland said the merging of the three groups "creates a single voice for the sector in Scotland", with businesses involved in the body including long-term investors in all forms of real estate. The group has promised to continue the work of its predecessors in arguing for policies that support the industry, helping to "drive economic growth and investment" across the country.

Edinburgh-based commercial property adviser CuthbertWhite has promoted James Metcalfe to director. Metcalfe joined CuthbertWhite in August 2021, with the group saying in a LinkedIn statement that the appointment comes after he displayed a work ethic and aptitude which has seen him complete more than 100 transactions across the Edinburgh office market, taking in lettings, acquisitions, rent reviews and investment purchases. The group added he has become one of Edinburgh’s “go-to” commercial property advisors. The promotion comes as CuthbertWhite celebrates 15 years in business, and comes with a share award for Metcalfe.

LandAid is inviting professionals from across the property and built environment sectors to sign up for LandAid Trek 2026, a one-day challenge taking place from 17 September in Eastbourne, with its deputy chief executive and director of fundraising Alice Lamb calling it a chance to "do something that genuinely changes lives". Participants can choose between a 40km or 20km route along the South Downs Way, or take part in Trek Your Way, giving individuals and teams the flexibility to complete their own challenge wherever they are. The event will raise funds to support young people facing homelessness. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4t0qYZJ