Canning and O’Neill step down after directors agree MBO

James Dickinson and John Nash will become the new owners of the Manchester-based office agency, taking over from founders Mark Canning and Conrad O’Neill. 

Founded in 1997, Canning O’Neill covers much of the North West, including Manchester city centre, Salford Quays, South Manchester, and Warrington. 

After 25 years, Canning and O’Neill will hand the reins over to Nash and Dickinson and move into consultancy roles after the quartet agreed a management buyout. 

“After building the business from scratch 25 years ago, we are proud to see that the name is going to continue in the safe hands of James and John,” Canning and O’Neill said in a joint statement. 

“They have been loyal and dedicated long-standing members of the team. They know the business inside out and it simply couldn’t be in better hands.”  

New owners Nash and Dickinson will now take control of the six-strong firm, having racked up a combined 29 years of service. 

Dickinson joined Canning O’Neill from Savills in 2003, while Nash arrived from Bruntwood in 2013. 

“After being involved in the business for so many years, John and I are thrilled to be in a position where we can take it forward as the new owners,” Dickinson said. 

“We would like to thank Mark and Conrad for their hard work in helping to build the business over the last 25 years. They have in-depth knowledge and experience and will be still working with the company on a consultancy basis.”  

Nash added: “The office sector is showing real resilience with many organisations looking for more flexible, modern working environments which attract and retain staff and support their well-being.  

“Despite the pandemic, the last five years have been some of the strongest in the company’s history and we look forward to building on the existing client relationships we have as well as bringing in new ones under the Canning O’Neill umbrella.” 

Nash and Dickinson will be supported by Amina Amri, who joined the agency last year as agency surveyor, and office manager Helen Hallsworth. 

Accountant DJH Mitten Clarke and solicitor Lockett Loveday McMahon advised on the MBO.

Canning O’Neill’s last financial results show liabilities totalling £360,000 for the year ended 30 April 2021, down £100,000 on the previous year. The company had assets totalling £442,000.

Profit and loss figures were not reported.