Pexton made GVA North West industrial head

GVA has appointed Andrew Pexton as head of the North West industrial team in its Manchester office, replacing senior director Robert Dunston who retires at the end of June, after 21 years at the real estate advisory firm.

Having worked for GVA for more than 20 years, Pexton has been involved in providing development and agency advice to funds, developers and companies including Royal London, Peel Logistics, IPIF, Goodman and Aviva.

Pexton heads a team of three alongside associates Ruth Leighton and Jonathon Lowe.

Other instructions and transactions include B&M Retail’s acquisition of 611,000 sq ft at Speke and a 250,000 sq ft pre-let to XPO at Central Park, on the Trafford Park Industrial Estate in Manchester.

Chris Cheap, regional senior director for GVA’s Manchester office, said: “During his time at GVA, Robert made a significant contribution to the business and we wish him all the best for the future.

“I am delighted that Andrew has accepted the offer to lead our industrial team across the North West. I have no doubt that he will deliver for new and existing clients and drive the team forward as market leaders.”

Andrew Pexton, director in the industrial team, said: “The logistics and manufacturing property sector has adapted to the changing requirements of occupiers and investors, most noticeably over the last five years.

“The change in the market presents an ideal opportunity to move the team forward, and I look forward to focusing on both our existing and new clients in a range of established and emerging sectors.

“We have an excellent client base which understands the importance of succession planning. We are currently focused on strengthening the industrial team nationally with recent appointments in Bristol and Birmingham, as well as expanding our offer across the North West.”