After 16 years driving the portfolio expansion of Brighouse-based commercial and industrial lettings specialist Towngate PLC, property surveyor Nick Yates is set to retire this month.

Having joined the organisation in 2004, Nick has established a reputation for an extensive knowledge of building maintenance, security, and utilities, and has played a significant role in growing Towngate’s status within the property sector across Yorkshire and the North West.

His notable assignments include the successful management of the Copenhagen Road Industrial Estate at Suttenfields in Hull, the Copley Hill Trading Estate in Leeds, and Bradford’s Business Centre. More recently, Nick has overseen Towngate’s facilities and utilities management at our new site on Gelderd Road in Leeds.

Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to establish solid, honest relationships with tenants of all properties within the Towngate portfolio — including commercial offices, large industrial sheds, trade counter units, and acres of commercial storage land.

In his retirement, Nick, 66, will be spending more time with his family, and satisfying his love of the great outdoors with an abundance of walks throughout the British Isles.

Commenting on Nick’s impending departure, Dan Besau, director of Dent Repairs, occupying the Towngate-owned Unit 4C Olympia Trading Estate in Leeds, said: “Nick has been an enormous help to our business. From our first rental property, Nick advised us on everything — from payment rates to accessing cheaper utility bills — great help which will never be forgotten!”

Robert and Alan Smith, managing directors of Towngate PLC added; “Over the years, Nick has been a fantastic asset to the team. His helpful nature, friendship, patience, and kindness will be missed by all. Sadly, in the current climate, we can’t give him the send-off he deserves, but we wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement.”

Towngate PLC is a commercial and industrial lettings specialist with headquarters in Brighouse. Now in its 59th year, the firm continues to be run by the two brothers Alan and Robert, with their father and founder David Smith remaining as chairman of the company.