Cluttons recruits partner from Avison Young

Chris Severs will boost the property consultancy’s business rates expertise.

Formerly an associate director with Avison Young, Severs has more than 20 years of experience.

Severs will be based out of the Cluttons Manchester office off King Street. In his role as partner, he will advise clients on a variety of topics including rateable value appeals, savings initiatives and empty rates mitigation.

Severs will advise both landlords and occupiers. While he has worked in a variety of sectors, he is a specialist when it comes to logistics and office projects.

Ryan Jones, partner and head of business rates in the North, described Severs’ hire as a “strategic move”.

“The last 13 years have seen only two valuation cycles and a global pandemic that has accelerated structural changes for businesses,” Jones said.

“This means there are huge dislocations in what business rates should be paid, coupled with new changes to the system that occupiers and landlords are not familiar with and an online sales tax consultation that has the potential to bring further complexities to the process,” he continued.

“Our team are experts in mitigation, future planning, appeals and guidance. Chris’s appointment is thus a strategic move that will give our broad range of clients further support in navigating these changes and challenges without which they would face more business risks.”

Charlie Ardern, head of the Manchester office, said he was “delighted to welcome Chris and his invaluable experience to the team”.

Ardern also teased that Severs hire was one of several in Cluttons future as the company continues to grow its presence in the North.

As for Severs, he said the following regarding his new role: “I am excited by the opportunity to join a practice that has a commitment to grow its services and expertise in the North, I look forward to working with market-leading experts in providing business rates and commercial consulting services advice.”