Charles Smith, director of industrial space at Lambert Smith Hampton, is to head up Knight Frank’s new operation in Birmingham.
Smith, who will concentrate on industrial and office agency, has resigned from LSH to become partner in charge of a five-strong office, including two ex-members of Chesterton’s agency team.The two, Simon Quantrill and Christopher Cox, will deal with the office and industrial sectors, respectively, and will be joined by another former colleague, Paul Cronin, who specialises in professional business.
Gavin Black, deputy chairman of Chesterton, said he will continue to strengthen and expand the agency team in Birmingham but this would not necessarily mean direct replacements for all three.
He said: “We will be replacing them and we will strengthen the team. But we will also have a look at the marketplace, the availability of personnel and the way the market is going.”
Knight Frank is still searching for an office in Birmingham. It is believed to be looking for space in Bank House on Cherry Street, where Jones Lang Wootton and Weatherall, Green and Smith are based. Other possibilities are 45 Church Street and the Royal Bank of Scotland building on Colmore Row.
The rest of the new KF team, including a residential surveyor, will be transferred from other parts of the firm. William Martin, a partner in its London West End office, will be transferring to Birmingham once the new office is open.
EGi News 02/10/97
