JLL has hired Pocket Living’s former head of land, William Cox, as residential director.
He will report to newly-appointed Midlands head of residential Simon Horan. Cox will be responsible for finding viable residential development sites. He will work with landowners and developers to maximise their returns.
Cox worked at Pocket for four and a half years as a land buyer, land manager and head of land. The developer specialises in intermediate affordable housing in London. It is known for its compact 408 sq ft (38 sq m) one-bedroom homes that use clever design to maximise space.
Horan joined JLL in October and has been tasked with building a new residential team based in Birmingham to work across the Midlands. The team will focus on student housing, build-to-rent, retirement and care homes, and will advise on mixed-use opportunities, planning, valuation and public sector work.
Horan said: “William’s experience with Pocket Living as a disruptor and innovator in the marketplace makes JLL well-placed to direct and realise clients’ ambitions in this competitive market sector.”
Cox added: “The money being invested in the region, with HS2 and the Commonwealth Games, will be truly transformational for the city and will be a key target for investors and developers looking for the next wave of growth.
“At Pocket Living, we helped to create new homes for young people who struggled to get a foot on the housing ladder. How we perceive housing is shifting and the new ‘living’ sector, including build-to-rent and multi-tenure is creating innovative new solutions to address the affordability issue.”
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