Northern exposure for Johnson Fellows

Leading chartered surveyors Johnson Fellows has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, opening its first office outside the Midlands, driven by opportunities presented by the Northern Powerhouse.

The Birmingham-based independent practice is to open a new office in King Street, Manchester, which will be led by Chris Litherland, a well-known property professional in the North West.

Chris, who joins Johnson Fellows from Lambert Smith Hampton where he was associate director in the Manchester office, has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial property sector.

He has particular expertise in the retail market, and specialises in dispute resolution, advising landlords and tenants on lease renewals and rent reviews.

Nick Wint and Chris Litherland

Nick Wint, partner at Johnson Fellows, said the opening of a new office outside the West Midlands signalled a bold step forward for the company, which was established more than 30 years ago and whose clients include retailers, investors, developers, financiers and occupiers of commercial property.

“Johnson Fellows has a very strong market presence across the country and with more opportunities opening up in the North West, it made sense to have a permanent office in Manchester,” he said.

“Chris is very well known in the retail sector and has an impressive pedigree in the commercial property market in the region, which means we have the ideal candidate to lead the office and build further our portfolio.

“It’s an exciting move for us and we’re very much looking forward to strengthening our ties with the North West which, with the Northern Powerhouse gaining momentum, is an exciting place to do business.”

Chris said he was keen to develop Johnson Fellows’ opportunities and hoped his experience would help to position the agency strongly in the region.

“Opening in Manchester is an exciting move for Johnson Fellows and I was very keen to be part of a forward-thinking agency that has ambitious plans,” he said.

“I will relish the challenge of being at the helm, developing networks and maximising opportunities.”

Johnson Fellows, which celebrated its 30^th anniversary last year, has established itself as one of the region’s leading independent chartered surveying practices, specialising in property management, professional services, building consultancy and more recently valuation, rating and industrial agency. In 2014, it took over Salway Bradbury, based in Solihull, consolidating further its reputation on both the regional and national stage.