One of New Zealand’s oldest and most successful real estate companies Simes has joined the global Knight Frank network.
Operating as Knight Frank Christchurch, the office is 100 percent locally owned by the current Simes shareholders and continues a trusted and long serving commitment to the region.
Established in 1904, Simes is an iconic Canterbury-based real estate company and a major full services operation providing commercial agency, valuation, consultancy and property management services.
This history provides a strong fit with Knight Frank, the leading independent global property consultancy which is also more than 100 years old.
Simes Managing Director Layne Harwood has 30 years’ experience in the commercial and real estate sector and will continue in this role at Knight Frank Christchurch.
“This strong alliance is underpinned by Simes position as a market leader in the Canterbury commercial property industry. Notwithstanding difficult market conditions over the past few years we have continued to grow our revenue. Being at the top of our game, our team collectively decided, that now is the time to take the organisation to an even higher level,” said Mr Harwood.
“Clients will continue to deal with the same team of dedicated, highly qualified industry professionals. We can now also boast a meaningful national and international network as part of the largest private real estate services provider in the world.
“The Knight Frank and Simes business models have strong synergies as both are privately owned and focused on long term relationships. Similarly, the high level of client service and culture of excellence at Knight Frank parallels what the Simes business has always been about.
“Now, with access to Knight Frank global systems, research and client networks we have the capacity,resources and structure to continue on a long-term, sustainable and exciting growth path for our team and most importantly our clients,” said Mr Harwood.
Group Managing Director of Knight Frank Australia Mr Kevin Coppel said Knight Frank continues to pursue the development of its network as part of its regional growth strategy.
“The addition of such a strong Christchurch business to our network is significant for Knight Frank in the region. Layne and his team have built a first-rate business and we’re very proud to have them aboard,” he said.
As part of its commitment to the New Zealand market, Knight Frank has also announced the establishment of a Knight Frank New Zealand Development Board, with Mr Harwood appointed as Chairman.
“The Development Board will give both Layne and Aaron Toresen of our Auckland operation a platform through which they can further develop and strengthen the Knight Frank brand within and beyond the New Zealand market..
“We have opened four new offices across Australasia in the past 12 months bringing the current total to 15 with more expected to be announced in the near future.
“As the global financial crisis has eased, Knight Frank has worked hard to reignite our regional strategy across the Asia Pacific region. Building our New Zealand presence to include such a high profile wellestablished and successful local business with Layne and his team in Christchurch is very significant for us,” said Mr Coppel.
With the new Knight Frank in Christchurch, clients in New Zealand will benefit directly from the extensive research and global services network which will deliver a far greater number of potential purchasers and investors to clients in the Canterbury region and beyond.