Savills’ head of global leisure, David Bell, has left the firm after nearly 16 years to set up a new real estate advisory business.
Bell has co-founded the new firm, called Stärka, alongside Sammy Jones (both pictured), who previously ran her own consultancy business Bound Commercial.
Stärka will mainly focus on advising investors, developers and tenants in the lifestyle, leisure and fitness sectors on leasing and development matters. It will also offer investment capabilities.
Clients include DTZ IM, Grosvenor, Gusto, Côte and Hickory’s.
The pair will operate from offices in Cheshire and the West End.
Bell joined Savills in 2006 and was previously head of UK leisure at the firm, before his promotion as head of global leisure.
Bell said: “Stärka is Swedish and means ‘strength and invigorate’, and the Scandinavian ethos embodies the culture of the company and how we work with our clients.”
Jones said: “We believe specialist advice is needed now more than ever in this ever-changing world. Together, we have substantial experience as real estate agents, client-side property teams, and development consultants. Stärka has been created to do things differently, rather than repeat the norm.”
Alan Spencer, head of UK retail at Savills, said: “David has been a highly valued member of the team for more than 16 years. We wish him the best of luck in his new venture and look forward to working with him as a consultant to Savills on specific projects.”
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