Steel to head Deloitte Real Estate in North West

Deloitte has promoted director Michele Steel to head of Deloitte Real Estate in the North West.

Steel is taking over the role from Simon Bedford, who has led the business in the region for the last four years and is taking on a broader role within the firm. Bedford will now specialise in large-scale development consultancy in relation to public sector assets and major regeneration schemes, based mainly in London.

Steel has been with Deloitte Real Estate and its predecessor, Drivers Jonas, for over 14 years and played a key role in the integration of Drivers Jonas with Deloitte in 2010.

Richard Bell, Deloitte's practice senior partner in the North West, said: "There is huge potential in the region's property sector. Michele is the ideal candidate to lead our specialist real estate teams as it works to successfully guide our clients through this exciting period.

"Her extensive work with clients like Manchester City Football Club, Ask Developments, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Manchester City Council has helped change the face of our region, the North West economy and the development of our own business."

Steel said: "We have a unique proposition to offer our clients – a full-service real estate practice with the wealth of capabilities, industry knowledge and contacts which Deloitte enjoys.

"I'm excited about the huge opportunity that Deloitte Real Estate has in what is proving to be a dynamic and growing regional market."