Avid adds third director
Dan Ward, a specialist in BTR and PBSA developments, has joined the Manchester-based project management consultancy.
Ward brings more than 20 years’ experience to the team, where he will join founding directors Lee Jones and Mark Searle.
He arrives from Watkin Jones, and will continue to work with the developer, with immediate priorities including overseeing the delivery of almost 1,500 build-to-rent units at Loftlines, Belfast and Central Quay, Cardiff.
Along with the BTR and purpose-built student accommodation sectors, Ward’s experience also spans hotel and leisure developments.
He will look to grow Avid Property Consultants’ living, hotel and leisure portfolio, complementing the businesses’ existing commercial, retail, office, fitout, industrial and investor clients.
- BOOK NOW: City Living Summit 2026
Ward said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Lee and Mark for several years and the time was right for me to join Avid and work with them to add additional sector expertise to the business and take Avid to the next level.
“In addition to complementing the company’s existing offer, one of my main focuses is to expand the living sector, hotel and leisure commissions to strengthen our sector expertise. I’m pleased to say we’ve already made some headway in this regard with a double appointment for two accommodation schemes in Manchester city centre, both from a local private developer.
“With such extensive knowledge and capabilities on offer, we’re committed, through a director-led service, to provide clients with deeply-rooted experience, information, advice and guidance to ensure projects meet both commercial and community demands.”
Before his stint with Watkin Jones, Ward spent time with Tower Eight and Cumming Group.
Established in 2010, Avid is a Beyond Net Zero company that provides a range of services, including project management, development monitoring, due diligence, principal designer and building surveying.
Clients include Aviva Investors, Aberdeen Investments, DTZi, Europa Capital and Hill Dickinson.
