Higson launches property consultancy

Investment agent Neil Higson is to launch property advisory business Wildbrook Commercial Real Estate, with financial backing from Mark Hawthorn, chief executive of Landmark Investments Group, who will work with Higson in an advisory capacity.

The business will operate out of XYZ in Spinningfields, and will cover the North West, with a focus on larger transactions in line with client requirements.

Higson has more than 10 years’ experience in commercial property investments having most recently been associate director at Parkinson Property Consultants. He also previously held roles at Nolan Redshaw and Gerald Eve. His largest deal last year was the acquisition of 4 St Paul’s Square, in Liverpool, on behalf of Aberdeen Asset Management, for approximately £18m.

Higson said: “I’m relishing the challenge of establishing Wildbrook. I’ve spent most of my career acting on the buy side of commercial investment transactions which has been very rewarding for my clients and I. The opportunity to go it alone and benefit from Mark’s expertise, contacts and infrastructure should offer Wildbrook a distinct advantage as we look to rapidly grow. We have already been awarded substantial mandates alongside our own ambitious targets so have hit the ground running and are looking forward to a busy year.”

Hawthorn said: “I’ve known and admired Neil for many years having watched his rapid progression through the ranks. Neil has an enviable track record across tens of millions of pounds of transactions, is respected by institutional and private investors and is at the right time to branch out on his own. I’ve got a long property background and started in agency so can see the potential here.”