Knight Frank strengthen Yorkshire valuations with recruitment of key team

James Milner, partner and head valuations team, Knight Frank, Yorkshire.

Global property consultancy Knight Frank has strengthened its Yorkshire valuations team with the strategic appointment of James Milner as a partner and head of department.

James joins from Cushman and Wakefield, where he was head of valuations in the north of England. He was previously with Sanderson Weatherall.

He commented: “This is a major move and a massive opportunity for me. I am delighted to have the chance to join Knight Frank and am ready to develop my career further with this internationally-renowned property consultancy.

“The valuations department is already a leading consultancy across the Yorkshire region, but my challenge is to take it to another level. The combined Leeds and Sheffield teams will provide an unrivalled valuations service for existing and future clients alike. I will be focusing the full range of property valuation including development and investment appraisals.

“I enjoyed my time at Cushman and Wakefield, but the opportunity to join Knight Frank was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The strength of the teams and the independent Partnership structure make it the stand out practice in the region. It is a superb opportunity – and challenge – at a pivotal time for the real estate market in Yorkshire,” he added.

Henrie Westlake, head of Knight Frank, said: “James is an incredibly important appointment for us. Without question the leading valuer in the city, his arrival heralds a new era for our valuations department in Yorkshire.

“In addition to his vast expertise and experience, James’ personality leads him to build exceptional relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

“He is a perfect fit for our culture and we could not be more excited about him joining the Partnership. These are very exciting times for Knight Frank and James is absolutely integral to our future success in the county.”

In a significant expansion of the Team, James will be joined at Knight Frank by his colleague Matthew Turner, who is also moving from valuations at Cushman and Wakefield in Leeds. Matthew will join as an Associate Partner with wide experience of the Yorkshire Market.

The strength of the team is highlighted by the promotion to Associate of Michael Goodare in Leeds and Matthew Collier in Sheffield.

In Knight Frank’s latest round of promotions, James Green, a senior surveyor in the building consultancy team, has also been promoted to Associate.

Henrie Westlake commented: “These promotions recognise the dedication, dynamism and hard work of Michael, Matthew and James. It is great to have such talent rising through the business. They have my warmest congratulations.”