Leading commercial property agent Innes England has expanded its Midlands operation with a move to a new base in Birmingham and a new head of office appointment.
Chartered surveyor Adam Rock has been named the director of the venture, which signals a fresh direction for the company, expanding beyond its existing offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.
Adam, who is based at Cornwall Buildings in the heart of the thriving city, was previously with chartered surveyors Bruton Knowles for 12 years, and has a widespread knowledge of the commercial property landscape. He specialises in professional services ranging from valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals, and business rates.
Innes England will lead with professional services before introducing other specialisms such as agency and building management. The firm provides expert valuation advice on all commercial property, including office, retail and industrial, and advises major financial institutions, developers, and investors.
Adam, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, said: “It’s an exciting opportunity – it’s like a fresh page and I’m looking forward to building up the business here. The focus is on the valuation side but we will also be bolstering with some of our other divisions.
“Birmingham is a really dynamic and thriving city – and the amount of investment that has gone into it over the last ten years is incredible. It has attracted many world-class businesses and has massively invested in infrastructure. There are so many new developments and of course there’s HS2 as well. It’s a really good news story that the city is on the up.”
Innes England has had a market presence in the West Midlands for many years but felt the time was right to invest in a new team in the city to further support its clients.
Adam, who is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, was born in Middlesbrough and went to school in Barnard Castle. He later studied in Newcastle before transferring to a degree course in Birmingham. His first job was with real estate advisers Gerald Eve Professional Services in 2000, dealing with business rates and landlord and tenant valuations.
“I had planned to go back to the North East but I found a great opportunity as a graduate that made me stay in this fantastic city. I think it’s a cracking place,” he said.
“I felt the time was right to join Innes England because of its vision of opening up into the West Midlands. I’ve been here for more than 20 years; I’ve set up a team before and I’ve got lots of contacts and good relationships with banking managers here.
“We’re starting up a team from scratch and will focus on valuation work – I’m working hard to get on as many valuation panels for the banks as we can.
“I genuinely enjoy what I do and it will be great to see the Birmingham office flourish and deliver great results. This will be a great opportunity for West Midlands talent to join the new office and contribute to our growth.
Innes England managing director Matt Hannah said: “We are proud of our work across the East Midlands and a move to Birmingham seemed a natural progression.
“We already have a number of clients who have a regional office in the city and have carried out a number of successful sales transactions.
“Birmingham is a very exciting market which has been attracting global occupiers who already have a London base, as well as being at the heart of the Midlands Engine economic partnership.”
He added: “We are delighted to welcome Adam Rock – he has an excellent reputation in the business and will help us to drive this venture and ensure its success. We will continue to grow the team and support the business with our core work streams of building surveying, agency, management, and our specialist teams in education, roadside, and residential land.”