Former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose and former Debenhams chief executive Terry Green have become backers of Manchester-based retail property investor Select Property Group.
They join former Matalan and Instore chief executive Angus Monro, and former Jessops and JMV chief executive Trevor Moore, who are both on Select’s board.
Select develops schemes, and finds tenants and operators for them, before selling them on to investors. It also owns the Vita Student venture.
The company is also partnering with Bruntwood to deliver the PRS element of the £750m former BBC site development.
Rose, who was chairman and chief executive at M&S and sat on the board of Land Securities, said: “Select’s unique approach to the property market makes the company a particularly interesting investment. While other providers focus on development, with the sales and operational activity often outsourced to third parties, Select’s control over the whole process allows it to manage every aspect of the investment life cycle.
“The years I spent at the heart of retail mean that I deeply appreciate the value of great customer service, and this is closely reflected in Select’s philosophy. This retail-led approach has enabled it to deliver an exceptional product in the student accommodation sector, a formula which I believe it will go on to replicate across multiple markets.”
