GVA promotes nine

GVA has promoted nine staff in the North West as part of a national wave of 100 promotions.

In Liverpool, head of the office, Patrick Whitby, who joined GVA as part of the takeover of Dixon Webb, where he was partner, in March 2012, has been promoted to senior director.

The other eight promotions were all in Manchester. Promoted to director were Chris Argent, Nicola Rigby, both in planning, and Jonathan Stanlake in land and development. Rebecca Skerrett, telecoms, and Ian Whittaker, recovery and restructuring, both moved up to principal surveyor. James Pickles in rating and Richard Moreton in valuation were promoted to associate. Marion Scott becomes senior property administrator.

Mark Rawstron, regional senior director, said: "These latest promotions to key individuals in the region follow what has been a defining year for GVA. As we open a new chapter in the long history of this 200-year-old company, we want and need to bring key individuals and teams with us on this exciting journey onto the international stage. These promotions are one of a number of ways in which we're demonstrating our commitment to those we feel can make critical contributions to the future direction of this company and region and continue to help providing our clients with the best possible advice.

"The strategic merger creates a partnership with Bilfinger Real Estate that immediately competes with the world's biggest real estate advisers for European mandates. And so the creation of a new, leading brand will allow us to recruit and retain the best staff. As we continue to take on more of the best staff from the outside, it's equally critical that we nurture and incentivise our best performers from the inside."

Meanwhile, Jane Lathwood associate in planning, development and regeneration, has been awarded Fellowship status by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.