Knight Frank Strengthens UK Business Rates Team with Four Senior Appointments

Damien Clarke has joined Knight Frank from Colliers as UK Head of Business Rates, effective from 1st April. Damien brings extensive experience in advising both occupiers and owners across the UK. He is recognised for his client-focused approach, strong commercial insight and proven track record of driving business growth. 

Damien succeeds Keith Cooney, who will move into a newly created role as Chairman of Business Rates. In this position, Keith will continue to work closely with clients, sharing his deep technical expertise across the business. Keith and Damien will collaborate closely to drive the continued growth and development of Knight Frank’s Business Rates practice to fulfil Knight Frank’s ambitions to develop a market leading Business Rates service for its clients.

As part of its expansionary drive, Knight Frank has also appointed Ross Haywood and Paul Davinson as Partners within the UK Business Rates team. Joining from JLL, both will play a central role in the growth and development of the regional Business Rates business, with the Northern Hub spanning the firm’s Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield offices. Demand for specialist advice has increased exponentially as the business rates landscape becomes ever more complex and continues to evolve for both owners and occupiers. These appointments therefore mark an important milestone for the Business Rates team, which is one of Knight Frank’s six Commercial Accelerators and continues to receive significant backing from the firm’s Commercial Board.

Simon Austen, Head of Commercial Consultancy, commented: “We have identified Business Rates as a strategic priority for our continued growth and these appointments represent the start of our journey. We are delighted to welcome Damien, Ross and Paul to the team, while Keith’s new role ensures we continue to benefit from his outstanding technical expertise, knowledge and industry relationships. Together, they will play an important part in driving the continued evolution of our UK Business Rates platform as we respond to the growing demand for clear, actionable advice across an increasingly complex rating environment.”

Henrie Westlake, Head of UK Cities, commented: “The expansion of our team through these strategic hires underscores Knight Frank’s commitment to investing in our Business Rates advisory offering which is central to our long term strategy across the UK. Ross, Paul and Damien bring exceptional experience, and we look forward to the impact they will have as we continue to grow our Business Rates service line with further market leading talent.”