Leeds-based property consultancy Gent Visick (GV) has launched a specialist Lease Advisory and Asset Management service, following the appointment of property professional Niall Mackinnon.

Niall joins GV as a director from Cushman & Wakefield, having also previously worked at Avison Young. He plans to grow and develop the Lease Advisory and Asset Management team, whilst capitalising on his 20 years in the Yorkshire real estate market.

Niall said: “It is great to be aligning myself with the best firm in the region. The GV team are well-connected and renowned commercial property experts. There have been a lot of changes in our industry over the last 18 months, and I was keen to join an independent, agile, forward-thinking practice.

“With sections of the market now witnessing unprecedented rental growth, I see Lease Advisory and Asset Management as an enormous growth area for GV. Our mission is to assist investors in maximising the value of their assets and to guide occupiers in generating occupational cost savings.”

In his new role Niall will provide a host of services to landlords and tenants, as well as wider asset management advice to a broad spectrum of clients. Services on offer include rent reviews, lease renewals, expert witness reports, lease restructures, brokerage, agency, estates strategies, investment pricing and section 18 valuations for industrial and office properties.

Director, Garry Howes said: “Niall is very experienced and well-respected in the property industry and is a superb appointment to take the lead on our Lease Advisory and Asset Management service offering.”

During his senior career, Niall has overseen lease advisory instructions in excess of £80m per year, totalling 9m sq ft of commercial property in Leeds and Yorkshire and has been involved with many notable schemes including Wellington Place, Broad Gate and White Rose Office Park in Leeds.