Burley Browne promotes office agent as market rebounds

Steve Hannaford (centre), with Burley Browne joint managing directors James Merrick (left) and David Hemming.

Office agent Steve Hannaford has been promoted by West Midlands property consultancy Burley Browne as the demand for office accommodation rebounds following the challenging lockdown.

Steve, who becomes a senior surveyor, joined Burley Browne as a graduate in 2015 having completed his degree in geography and urban and regional planning.

He was supported by the business to complete a masters degree in real estate at the University College of Estate Management before qualifying as a chartered surveyor in May 2018.

David Hemming, joint managing director of Sutton Coldfield-based Burley Browne, said: “Steve’s promotion is richly deserved. Against the backdrop of a challenging and, in some areas, declining office market over the last two years, our office agency team has certainly bucked the trend with not only the size and quality of instructions but also the number of office transactions undertaken.

“This is in no small part down to Steve’s hard work, commitment and determination to provide an exceptional service at all times. We are therefore delighted to reward Steve for all of his hard work and look forward to continuing to guide him to further successes within the business.”

He added: “As with all of our team, we are also very grateful for Steve’s support, commitment and contribution in implementing our new business strategy after James Merrick and myself took over the reins at Burley Browne just under two year ago.”

Steve said: “Despite the commentary around the demise of the traditional office, we are seeing very much the opposite with strong demand continuing for good quality office accommodation of all sizes and to suit a variety of business from the start ups/individuals to larger multi office corporates and across all areas.

“These are truly exciting times at Burley Browne and with our strong and growing presence across the Birmingham, South Staffordshire and wider West Midlands area, there is no doubt that we are well placed to serve the needs of landlords, developers and office occupiers further.”