Expansion and key hires announced by high end agency

Knight Frank says it’s opened six new offices over the past two years, and hired 14 new partners, as part of an expansion plan targeting rural areas. 

James Farrell joined the firm as a Proprietary Partner and Head of Rural Consultancy and has since overseen what the agency calls “unprecedented growth of the Rural team.” 

Under Farrell's leadership, the focus has been on establishing partner-led teams dedicated to delivering 'turnaround performance' for estate businesses, supporting estate owners creating relevant, resilient, sustainable, thriving estate businesses.

Knight Frank has grown its Rural Consultancy in Sussex, Kent, Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, Cambridge, Leicestershire, and - coming soon - Cheshire. 

The agency says it has “successfully established a national platform to advise landowners across the UK, a prime target which was set two years ago … with a clear focus on estate management, the team also provides consultancy advice to help clients meet the challenges of the new era in which rural business must now operate, including strategic reviews, natural capital assessments, placemaking and viticulture, access to grants and other funding mechanisms, the agricultural transition and regenerative farming.”

Farrell says: “Culture is key, and we continue to attract the best talent in the market, grow our presence and win high-profile new work which showcases our dedication and commitment to playing our part in shaping a countryside for the future. The 'natural capital century' is the most exciting time in my professional career. 

“To be part of a business that is focused on enhancing people's lives and environments during this period of huge change in the rural economy is incredibly rewarding. Being able to build a new team steeped with experience in the business of owning estates and backed by the latest tech, data science, digital solutions, insightful research, and analysis, is a real privilege.

"With Phase two of our plan well underway, marked by established new office openings across the country, we will complete our national coverage and add expertise across the markets where our clients need us most. We have been blessed with great people who understand the power of teams and can, together, make things happen.”

Tim Hyatt, Head of Residential at Knight Frank, adds: “TOur strategic initiative has developed at pace, and we continue to look for opportunities for further growth and innovation in this sector. Be it the emerging natural capital markets of biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality, or more traditional elements of estate management and domestic food production, we now have a platform which can provide the latest thought leadership and guidance to clients nationwide.”