Senior hires advance Avison Young’s business rates growth and innovation strategy

Global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young has welcomed Oliver Hartley and Danny Hitchcock as Directors in its Rating and Technology team in London. Their appointments will support the firm’s growth strategy for the business group and its commitment to investing in both its people and technology offer.

Oliver joins from Hanway Commercial, where he spent almost a decade, having joined the business as a Graduate Surveyor before working his way up to a Director position. With expertise in providing rates appeal and mitigation advice to landlords and occupiers, he has a strong track record of supporting clients to access savings through rates relief opportunities.

His mandate at Avison Young will be to grow the Rating and Technology team’s presence across the South East region, working alongside a talented national team of rating specialists to strengthen the firm’s offer in the market.

Danny arrives from software development specialist Civica, where he spent two years as a Product Specialist. His focus will be on supporting the continued development of the Rating and Technology group’s market-leading technology platform, supporting the business to leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance client service and improve efficiency.

These new appointments are another important step in the Rating and Technology team’s growth strategy, as the business aims to invest in specialist expertise, technology and innovation to deliver outstanding outcomes for clients across the UK.

David Jones, Principal and Managing Director, Business Rates at Avison Young, said:
"We are very pleased to welcome Oliver and Danny to the Rating and Technology team. Both bring significant expertise in areas that are central to our growth ambitions. Oliver will strengthen our position in the industrial and distribution market, while Danny's appointment reinforces our commitment to innovation and maintaining our market-leading edge.

“These appointments reflect our continued investment in responding to clients' evolving requirements and cementing our position as a leader in the business rates sector. Together with the wider team, I look forward to working with them both as we continue to grow our business and enhance our client offer."

Oliver Hartley, Director, Business Rates at Avison Young, added:
“The industrial and distribution market across the South East continues to evolve, and occupiers and landlords need practical, commercially focused advice to help them manage cost pressures and navigate a changing and complex rates environment.

“Avison Young’s combination of deep rating expertise, national reach and a strong reputation for client service made this opportunity really stand out to me. I’m looking forward to working alongside our specialists across the UK to combine local market knowledge with national insight and offer clients an even stronger service.”

Danny Hitchcock, Director, Business Rates at Avison Young, added:
“Across the real estate sector, technology is already enhancing how we work and informing the services we provide to clients, who increasingly expect faster access to clear, actionable information. This creates a significant opportunity to rethink how technology supports both their experience and our day-to-day delivery.

“I’m excited to help shape the next stage of Avison Young’s Rating and Technology platform, using AI and other emerging technologies in a practical and responsible way to deliver value to our growing client base across the UK.”

Image caption: (l-r) Danny Hitchcox, David Jones, Oliver Hartley.