CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has taken another step in the expansion of its business by launching a new hospitality, leisure and alternative investment team from its Manchester office.

Headed by director Shaun Skidmore, the team is a new offering for CBRE in the North West and Regions focusing on offering advice to the hotel, leisure and health care sectors.

Skidmore, formerly an in-house hospitality expert within National Australia Bank’s acquisition finance team and a director of a Pan-European leisure adviser, brings 10 years experience in the industry.

Commenting on his appointment, he says: “This is a great opportunity to grow and develop a team within the North West and Regions specifically focussing on these specialist sectors.

“The fact that CBRE can now offer a dedicated service to this market as well as work across all teams to offer an overall property advisory service is already being welcomed by the region’s businesses and sets us apart from many of our competitors.”

The new team will operate across the UK from its North West base and will be supported by CBRE’s London office. There are already plans to expand the team to cater for the demand in the market.