Forum to focus on a market that’s ‘a lot busier’

FORMER Bank of England economist Adam Chester will give an insight into Yorkshire’s commercial property market at the annual forum hosted by law firm Gordons.

Mr Chester, who is head of UK macroeconomics at Lloyds Wholesale Markets, will review the current state of the market and make forecasts for the next six months.

He has previously worked for Bank of Scotland, HBOS, Halifax and Yamaichi International.

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Other speakers at next Thursday’s event include Guy Gilfillan, director at Lambert Smith Hampton, and Barbara Rollin, head of Gordons’ commercial property department.

Ms Rollin said the region’s commercial property market is “a lot busier”.

“On the funding side there is a lot of refinancing and also some new funding jobs, including some development work,” she added.

“We are being inundated with people who want to acquire property and are bidding for things. It’s encouraging.

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“Perhaps what’s driving that is the announcement we have come out of recession. Perhaps people are thinking now is a good time to get things moving.

“Some decent things are coming on to the market. We have also got some retailers failing with some fairly high profile insolvencies which lead to opportunities for others.”

Ms Rollin said the forum would be of interest to owner-occupiers, surveyors, landlords, tenants, developers, banks, accountants and insolvency professionals.

The forum will feature case studies illustrating issues and opportunities for owners, occupiers, buyers, sellers and lenders. These will be followed by a panel debate.

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The Yorkshire Post is media partner and our Business Editor will chair the debate.

Gordons has hosted the forum since 1997. It regularly attracts audiences of more than 200 people from across the industry.

The £25m-turnover law firm has offices in Leeds, Bradford and London and earlier this month won an accolade at the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards.

The free event takes place at Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, between 2pm and 5pm. Drinks and networking will follow until 8pm. To reserve a place, email [email protected] or call 01274 202145.