Birmingham property consultancy enters Manchester market

Johnson Fellows is to open its first office outside of the Midlands, led by Chris Litherland, associate director at Lambert Smith Hampton and former partner at Tushingham Moore.

Litherland has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial property sector, with particular expertise in the retail market. He specialises in dispute resolution, advising landlords and tenants on lease renewals and rent reviews.

He worked at specialist retail agency Tushingham Moore between 2001 and 2014, until the company was acquired by Lambert Smith Hampton earlier this year.

Litherland will be based at Johnson Fellows’ new offices at 53 King Street in the city centre.

The Birmingham-based independent practice was established more than 30 years ago and clients include retailers, investors, developers, financiers and occupiers of commercial property.

Nick Wint, partner at Johnson Fellows, said the opening of a new office outside the West Midlands signalled a bold step forward for the company.

“Johnson Fellows has a very strong market presence across the country and with more opportunities opening up in the North West, it made sense to have a permanent office in Manchester.

“Chris is very well known in the retail sector and has an impressive pedigree in the commercial property market in the region, which means we have the ideal candidate to lead the office and build further our portfolio.