CBRE has formed a new leadership structure for its rating service across the North following the decision by David Cownie to step back from leading the Northern team after 25 years.
Leeds-based Nick Marsden takes up the role as head of rating North and Mark Hayes has been named as head of the Manchester rating team. Cownie’s new remit will be focused on specific mandates for CBRE.
Marsden has spent more than 15 years in rating, working on behalf of occupiers, landlords and investors throughout the North to manage and mitigate their business rates. Nick has a proven track record in the sector including rating advice across large, complex national property portfolios and office developments, as well as extensive investor relations expertise.
He said: “Having worked at CBRE for 13 years, I am proud to be part of the incredibly talented team across the North. I look forward to providing our client base with first class rates advice and growing the team further.”
“The 2023 Rates Revaluation has seen all business’s rateable values and rates costs change, with many facing significant increases. Furthermore, with changes to the appeal system and other reforms coming in 2026, the system has become increasingly complex to navigate. We are well placed to steer clients through these changes to help them to proactively mitigate their tax burden,” continued Marsden.
Mark Hayes will lead the Manchester rating team, bringing an extensive track record built up over a 14 year career, having provided rating advice to some of the largest occupier and investor clients in the UK.
Hayes has significant experience presenting cases at the Valuation Tribunal and has also represented several high profile clients at the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).
Hayes said: “It will be an honour to lead the team in Manchester, who are a talented group of individuals and among the best in our industry. My focus going forward will be to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service at a time when the Business Rates system is seeing huge change.”
John Ogden, MD, CBRE North, said: “We would like to thank David for his dedication to the business and leadership of an exceptionally high performing rating team in Manchester and more latterly the Northern region over his considerable tenure with CBRE.
“We congratulate Nick on his promotion to head of rating North and to Mark as head of the Manchester team. With David’s continued support, Nick and Mark will progress the plan for growth of the rating business throughout the next era and we look forward to celebrating the continued success of the service line under the new leadership structure.”
