Leading property advisor CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), has launched a dedicated environmental services team from its Manchester office.

Headed up by Paul Lillie, formerly of SG Environment, the 7 strong specialist team will advise vendors and purchasers on land contamination issues across the UK and will be supported by the firm’s London office.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul Lillie says “The ‘green’ environment, sustainability, climate change and carbon issues are all buzz words in the property industry at the moment but, even though the UK has a long industrial history, the ‘brown’ environment has only made it on the agenda over the last fifteen years.

“This area is particularly important during a down-turn in the market, as more people are likely to spend time considering the environmental impact on a valuable sale than in a buoyant market when competition for property is high and significant profits are to be made.

“To be able to offer this service from a dedicated in-house team means that we can maximise on the thorough knowledge we have of our clients’ businesses and land needs and offer complete advice from the beginning of a sale or purchase through to completion.”