Montagu Evans Expands Retail & Leisure Lease Advisory Team

Montagu Evans has appointed lease advisory specialist Jonathan Essex to its Retail & Leisure team.

Jonathan joins from Avison Young, where he was a Director for over seven years. He brings substantial expertise in rent reviews, lease renewals and regears, acting for a wide range of institutional landlord and tenant clients in the retail and leisure sectors. Jonathan also has considerable dispute resolution experience, being on the RICS Chairman’s panel of independent experts and arbitrators and regularly acting as an expert witness in arbitrations and independent expert determinations.

Based at the partnership’s London office, Jonathan will play a key role in growing the partnership’s activity in this area as part of its Commercial and Agency department. Alongside client delivery, he will support the development of colleagues, reinforcing the firm’s investment in the next generation of specialists during a period of continued growth.

Rob Lawson, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “With the rebasing of historically high rents, and an uptick in tenant demand, we are seeing rental growth at rent review and
lease renewals for retail warehousing. Client demand for specialist consultancy in this area continues to grow, and Jonathan’s technical expertise, market insight and experience mean we are in a stronger position to add value long-term.”

Jonathan Essex, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “Montagu Evans’ collaborative approach and ability to deliver high-quality cross-service advice clearly support clients in navigating complex lease negotiations and identifying new opportunities. Joining at this exciting time for the partnership offers a great opportunity to contribute to a growing team, alongside investment and agent colleagues, as well as lease advisory specialists.”