BCO president sets out priorities, CBRE names Scotland head of flex, Liverpool developer secures third hire in as many months

"It kind of hit that point where I felt it was probably the right time for a fresh challenge," says Peter Crowther, president of the British Council for Offices. The real estate leader has experienced a whirlwind 12 months of change, first stepping down as Bruntwood SciTech chief development officer in November to develop his own property business, Here, and then taking on the role of BCO president in June.

Crowther succeeds Despina Katsikakis, executive partner and global lead of total workplace at Cushman & Wakefield, and comes in at a time when the sector is facing numerous challenges, including climate change and technological advancement. He says the forum is looking at how retrofit and AI can offer solutions to these challenges.

"Within the BCO there is a real focus on retrofit – how we can recycle, reinvent that which exists already. There may be some buildings that come with inhibitors to retrofit, but through a team of advisers and utilising things like the Guide to Specification and the Guide to Fit Out, I think you can successfully reinvent the majority of existing buildings.

"I also think we are doing a reasonable amount of work around the integration of AI and having a look at how it can play a part [in the evolution of offices], in term of the efficiency of the buildings, but also in regards to the occupier experience and creating an environment that is enjoyable."

You can read Peter Crowther's exclusive interview with CoStar News here.

Ashleigh Corbett has started work as CBRE's head of flex in its Scotland agency team. Corbett has worked in sales and operations roles for flex space operators across Scotland including Flexspace, IWG and more recently Orega. Corbett spent six years as regional sales manager at her last job and will be responsible for securing space for new occupiers, advising operators on growth opportunities, supporting landlords on the diversification of existing office space and managing turnkey solutions at CBRE. Matt Willcock, executive director at CBRE, said: "As head of flex, Ashleigh will play an integral role in the future of flex space in Scotland, which is undoubtedly going to accelerate."

Liverpool-based Integritas Property Group has made another senior appointment, with Ryan Guest joining as head of development. Guest has more than two decades’ experience in the construction and built environment sector, most recently working as commercial director at M-AR Offsite. He also has experience of civil engineering and house building, with the firm saying that he will be accountable for the successful execution of all UK developments, and for growing and maintain the development supply chain. Since June, IPG has finalised three hires to bolster its leadership team. Ross Fleming was named global sales director in July, while Luke Gribben became business development manager in June.

CTP, one of Europe’s largest listed industrial property developer, owner and managers, has recruited Karel Stransky as its group business development director. Working alongside CEO Remon Vos, Stransky will "oversee, support and add further structure" to the firm's business development teams in several countries. Stransky has worked globally, including roles in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as North and Latin America and China. He began his career in urban and environmental planning and construction, before moving to Colliers, where he headed up the company’s corporate industrial advisory hub, responsible for the group’s industrial and logistics real estate activities.

Cormac Dunne has rejoined Arrow Capital Partners as head of transactions for Europe. Dunne will be responsible for originating investment opportunities across the continent, with a particular focus on the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Nordics and Ireland. Arrow said he will work closely with its regional European heads and local teams to originate transactions for its five key growth strategies. Dunne will be based in the London office and previously worked for the company between 2020 and 2022, when he was head of Ireland. Overall he has has more than 20 years of commercial real estate investment experience, also working for Warren Private Clients, Mirvac and Savills.

Lambert Smith Hampton has promoted Steve Hemming to national head of planning, in a move to support the growth of the division. According to the agency, Hemming will assume responsibility for co-ordinating activities across its national planning consultancy team and supporting clients across the development arena. He has spent 20 years at LSH and has advised clients including the BBC, Homes England and the Department of Health. Steven Norris, head of planning, regeneration and infrastructure, said: "Under Steve’s guidance, our national planning team will continue to play their role in this process and in delivering vital new homes, major regeneration projects and infrastructure".