Preston leaves WHR for Cushman

James Preston, previously at WHR, has joined Jonathan Baucher, head of office agency in the North, at Cushman & Wakefield's Manchester office.

Baucher said: "We have enjoyed an exceptional year during 2014 securing some of the highest profile office deals across the North of England. By the turn of the year, we expect to have closed three of the five largest transactions in Manchester including the largest deal for over 10 years in the market. In addition to this, we have also closed the three largest deals in Newcastle and the largest deal in Sheffield during 2014. James will be a real asset to the team as he has a strong understanding of the office market and is very highly regarded. I am delighted that he has agreed to join us."

The Manchester office of Cushman & Wakefield now boasts 27 employees. Ben Roberts, who joined as partner and head of the Manchester office earlier this year, said: "Cushman & Wakefield continues to have a very dominant presence in the North of England and we plan to continue to invest in our team, which is testament to our commitment and confidence in the prosperous Northern property market."