We are delighted to announce Sally Hart and Richard Garland as joint Managing Partners as George F. White enters the next stage of its evolution. 

Having been instrumental to George F. White’s heightened growth in recent years, the pair have come together to strategically lead the firm’s ambitious vision for continued growth, following its most successful year to date. 

Sally, who took the role of Managing Director last year, will focus on business strategy and operations, as well as leading the property management and agency teams. Richard, who has been promoted from Partner, will focus on business development and high-level strategic client work. 

Both have been at the forefront of the business's continued evolution and helped define the client offering upon which the strong growth has been founded.

Former Managing Partner Robyn Peat has taken the role of Chairman and will remain in the business and on the firm’s executive board as well as continuing to work with clients. 

The announcement comes as the business is celebrating its biggest year of growth to date, following its merger with Johnson Tucker LLP. Turnover is up by 10 per cent on top of a previous record year last year and staff headcount grew by 17.5 per cent to over 100 team members.  

Major investments were also made to expand into new territories, with three new offices opening within six months in Hexham, Durham and Leeds, as well as enhancements to existing offices. 

Sally said: “Both Richard and I have come up through the business and have different specialisms, so it felt right for us to become joint Managing Partners. The joint approach breaks away from the norm in our industry, showing the type of business that we are and want to continue to be, with our diversity front and centre. Our team has a lot to be proud of as we end the financial year, and much to look forward to on the journey ahead. We’re in a strong position to be creating even more job opportunities and have some brilliant roles available now to join the team and be part of our expansion.”

Richard said: “It’s exciting to be entering this joint role with Sally as a planned succession from Robyn. Having joined the business as a trainee 17 years ago, my focus will be on leading our teams to deliver high quality, cross discipline service as well as complex and strategic fee earning projects, including Expert Determinations. Business development will also be a key element of my role through introducing our offering to an increasingly diverse range of clients and fellow professionals.”

The pair are currently spearheading a significant recruitment drive, for roles across the business focusing on commercial property consultancy and property management as part of the strategic growth plans. With eight positions currently available, the business expects to grow its headcount by a further 20 per cent over the next 12 months.