Savills has paid tribute to long-standing agent and director Mike Spens, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this month.

Spens joined the Savills retail warehouse team in Scotland in 2003, becoming an integral part of the Edinburgh office. His career began in the out-of-town retail market in 1990, where he played a key role in the early development of factory outlet retailing in Scotland.

At Savills, Spens focused on leisure and roadside services, working with a wide range of retailers, landlords, developers and operators. In recent years, he developed significant expertise in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, providing advisory services as demand for EV solutions grew. He was also a former board member of Accessible Retail.

Nick Penny, head of Savills Scotland, said Spens would be greatly missed not only by colleagues across Scotland and the wider UK, but also by clients with whom he built long-standing relationships.

“Mike was a close friend and colleague to many of us; he had great humour, humility and most importantly was incredibly kind,” said Penny. “He made time for everyone and was hugely supportive of both those within his peer group but also support staff and graduates. There is no doubt that he will be missed enormously. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.”