Ryden recruits ex-GVA pair

Robert Dunston and Ian Whittaker have joined consultancy Ryden’s Manchester office with the brief of building an industrial agency team.

The Scottish-headquartered firm opened its Manchester base in July 2017,  headed by Andrew Richardson, partner in investment and finance.

Dunston, who joins as development consultant, is well known in the regional market from his time as head of GVA’s industrial team, a 21-year stint that ended last summer. He had previously been with Dunlop Heywood.

Dunston set up his own industrial agency consultancy business RGD Consulting last year, which he will continue to operate alongside his work with Ryden.

Whittaker is also an ex-GVA man, and will work alongside Dunston as associate director in industrial, also working with Richardson on investment work.

He has spent the last eight years working in GVA’s restructuring solutions business unit as an associate director, primarily acting for banks, insolvency practitioners, private equity houses, property companies and landlords, whilst working closely with both the investment and industrial agency teams.

Prior to this, he worked at Sanderson Weatherall across the industrial agency and corporate services teams.

Richardson said: “Both Robert and Ian’s knowledge, experience and influence provides Ryden with a real opportunity to grow its Manchester presence.

“Alongside our investment capabilities, we’re keen to grow a strong industrial team which will provide clients with a niche, hands on, personal service with large agency approach and experience.”