Strutt & Parker grows its Edinburgh office with two new recruits

Strutt & Parker has made two new appointments to its Edinburgh office, with David Law joining as director, head of Edinburgh residential, and Judy Shields appointed a senior associate director.

Law joins Strutt & Parker after spending more than 15 years at Foxtons, where he began his career as a negotiator in 2006 in the firm’s Battersea office.

In his most recent role, Law was operations director and sales manager responsible for new homes and investments in South London, advising large developers on site development and sales strategy.

In his new role, he will lead on sales for prime properties across the city centre together with rural family homes in the surrounding countryside.

Judy Shields brings over eight years of industry experience and has previously worked at McEwan Fraser and Rettie & Co with plenty of experience working across Edinburgh City, the Borders, East Lothian, and West Lothian.

Together Law and Shields bring specialist experience and a solid track record in the local market, reinforcing Strutt & Parker’s client offer in and around Edinburgh.

Kevin Maley, head of Strutt & Parker residential in Scotland, said: “David and Judy are superb additions to the Edinburgh office and will reinforce our first-class offer to clients ensuring our residential agency team continues to go from strength to strength. Edinburgh is a key office across our network, home to forestry, estates and farms, and commercial property advisors, meaning we are uniquely positioned to advise across all asset classes.”

Law added: “The Edinburgh market is one that’s really boomed in the past two years, with current applicant levels per property up 134% on 2020’s first quarter. Edinburgh is a city I’ve known for many years thanks to familial connections, so making the move from one capital city to another is a very a natural and welcome change. With interest in Edinburgh from domestic and overseas buyers at an all-time high, there is no better time to bring my experience and passion for property to this cosmopolitan hub which offers such a rich culture and amazing architecture.”

Promotion at Henry Adams 

Henry Adams has announced that Andrew Thomas will become a partner in the business with effect from 1 April 2022. He will take over the responsibility for the rural department. 

Thomas joined Henry Adams Rural in 2020 where he has worked alongside Simon Lush, one of the founders of Henry Adams LLP in 1990. Henry Adams now works on behalf of an influential and diverse range of clients across the southeast from their offices in Chichester and Petersfield. 

Having qualified as a chartered surveyor in 2004, Thomas now specialises in agricultural, equestrian, horticultural and rural property matters, such as tenancy negotiations, red book valuations, utility schemes, subsidies, business strategy and planning. 

He said: “It’s refreshing to see a firm where there’s such a strong connection between their development, planners, valuers and surveyors with everyone giving really valuable input, or finding new opportunities for every client. 

“It’s quite rare these days to even see so many specialists share the same office and I’m starting to understand why Henry Adams is one of the most respected in our rural community.”

Simon Lush will be stepping down from the partnership. He will however continue to work with Henry Adams as an active consultant, serving the many farming clients he has accumulated over the years.

Chairman of Henry Adams, Philip Jordan, added: “I would like to thank Simon for his enormous contribution to the success of Henry Adams over more than 30 years. This is a well-deserved promotion for Andrew who has many years of experience in this specialist area. I know that he already has a number of exciting plans for the continued development and growth of this important part of our business.”

Knight Frank appoints Roddy Abram

Knight Frank has appointed Roddy Abram as head of South East and Greater London Offices.

Having joined Knight Frank in 2004, Abram has 15 years’ experience in the South East and greater London markets.

He will lead a team providing leasing and development, lease advisory and tenant representation advisory services.

Will Foster, who has 24 years’ market experience across the South East, has also been promoted to head of Leasing for South East and Greater London Offices.

Abram said: “I’m thrilled to accept the role as head of South East & Greater London Offices. Our team is hugely experienced and well-resourced, supported by best-in-class research and insights. We look forward to working closely with our London colleagues.

“With rental growth now evident and market-changing infrastructure projects such as Crossrail on the brink of opening, the key South East cities are set for huge opportunities.”