Montagu Evans’ appoints new Rating head

Planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans has appointed Partner Josh Myerson as its new Head of Rating.

The firm’s 35-strong rating team works from offices in London, Glasgow and Manchester offering business rates consultancy to landlords, developers and occupiers and linking closely with Montagu Evans’ team of 27 specialist valuers to advise private and public sector clients across the UK.

One of only 25 RICS Rating Diploma Holders operating in private practice, Josh specialises in advising landlords and developers providing rating valuation and liability advice. He is a Member of the RICS, an Honours Member of the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation (IRRV) and the Vice President of the Rating Surveyors’ Association (RSA). He is an Associate Member of the policy committee of the British Property Federation (BPF) and a founding member of the London Rating Network (LRN).

Josh joined Montagu Evans as a graduate in 2007 and became a Partner in 2015, leading the firm’s graduate programme soon after (a role he will now hand over to allow more time for his new departmental responsibilities).

The appointment follows Mark Higgin’s decision to step down as the firm’s Head of Rating after eight years. Mark remains a Partner in the firm and will continue both occupier-focussed client work and his role as Chairman of the RICS Rating and Local Taxation Working Group, a position he has held since 2010.

Rob Bower, Managing Partner of Montagu Evans, said: “Mark Higgin is one of our longstanding Partners and his role as head of rating served the firm and our clients admirably. During this time he has increased our profile in the market, assisted with and influenced government policy, and developed a strong team. We’re very pleased that he will continue with us as usual, working with clients and mentoring our next talented group of surveyors.

“In Josh Myerson we have a Partner who represents the next generation, elected unanimously by his team and management to take on the role. With a long-term outlook, new ideas and an energised team behind him, we’re confident he has the vision and drive to continue the work Mark started at a time where rating specialists are increasingly in demand.”

Josh Myerson, Partner and new Head of Rating, at Montagu Evans, said: “I’m honoured to have the support of my excellent team to take on this exciting and challenging role. Our system is going through immense and unprecedented change with more frequent revaluations and the new Check Challenge Appeal regime increasing bureaucracy and needing a more proactive stance. The system will continue to change and as a firm we’re well placed to put our clients first, helping them navigate the process in partnership with our valuation colleagues for a holistic approach to the advice we offer.

“I’m looking forward to continuing Mark’s direction of travel, supporting clients across the country.”

Mark Higgin, Partner and former Head of Rating, “It has been a privilege to lead the rating team for so long, and I’ve particularly enjoyed growing the team and raising our profile during this time. Looking ahead, I couldn’t think of a better leader to take the reins than Josh, who will do a fantastic job continuing our trajectory as part of the wider firm. This change offers the opportunity in my role as chair of the RICS Rating and Local Taxation Group to engage with other stakeholders to explore how business rates can better suit modern demands, as well as continuing my work with our clients and supporting the team”