Derwent Estates, the property and legal services division of The Derwent Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Roberts as Managing Director based in its Manchester office at Walkden Town Centre.

Ben joins Derwent Estates from Cushman & Wakefield where, following the merger with DTZ, he was Director of Development and PRS and prior to that Head of the Manchester office and partner for Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield. Ben is a North of England commercial property development and investment specialist with more than 20 years’ experience working on both agency and client side. He has been involved with a wide range of acquisitions and sales across the full commercial and residential property spectrum.

David Lyons, Group Chief Executive at The Derwent Group said:

The appointment of Ben Roberts as Managing Director will further enhance the strong team we have built over recent years.  His market credentials will be particularly relevant in the coming years as we complete major developments including Liverpool Shopping Park and add to the group’s portfolio through further investment.

Ben Roberts, added:

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to become Managing Director of Derwent Estates and I’m looking forward to becoming ensconced in the business.

“Together with the team and our professional advisers I hope to be able to significantly grow the portfolio and through The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation help many good causes”.

John Keyes, head of the Manchester office of Cushman & Wakefield, comments:

“We are sorry to see Ben moving on but congratulate him on such an exciting opportunity with Derwent Estates. Ben has played an important role assisting us through the recent successful merger. We wish him all the best in his new role at Derwent Estates and hope that we will continue to work together in the future.”

For further information, please contact Justine McGuinn of Just PR & Marketing on 0161 839 9538 / 07903 661228 or email justine@justprm.co.uk.