Avison Young lures former CBRE valuation head

Mike Stephens has been appointed as a director in Avison Young’s Birmingham valuation team, as the firm looks to grow its loan security business.

Stephens left CBRE last month, announcing his “semi retirement”, after leading the firm’s valuation team for more than two decades.

His work at CBRE spanned a number of complex development schemes in the Midlands, including major office assets, Big Box industrial, and large mixed portfolios.

“Avison Young has a fantastic reputation in the Midlands market and a truly cross-disciplinary team ethic, which is what attracted me to the role,” he said.

“Like many regions across the UK, there are some structural economic challenges facing the Midlands right now, but the commercial and living property markets here remain very resilient.

“Occupier demand is robust in most markets and this, coupled with limited new development, means that rental growth remains an important dynamic for property investors, developers and owners. I am really excited to work with the established expert team here in Birmingham and the wider AY network”

Stephens joins the firm on a part-time basis and will be based in the firm’s Birmingham office, according to Helen Collins, principal and managing director for the Midlands.

“Mike is highly respected in the Midlands market, and he knows the commercial property landscape in the region inside and out,” she said.

“With his extensive contacts and expertise, we are confident that he will make a big impact in the team, from client advisory to supporting colleague development, and we are very happy to be welcoming him on board.”