CBRE appoints Northern head of science and technology

Jonathan Lowe will take on the newly created role, which is focused on providing specialist advice to developers, investors, occupiers, and universities looking to grow their work in the hot sector.

Lowe joins CBRE after 16 years with Avison Young, where he was the head of life sciences. At CBRE, Lowe will be working with current clients Bruntwood Sci-Tech and GMPF, as well as developing new ones.

Life sciences, in particular, has been a growing sector in the UK. As of 2021, it was valued as being worth more than £94bn to the UK economy.

Regarding his new role, Lowe said: “Science and technology are critical components and key economic drivers for the majority of Northern regions, as well as across the UK.

“I am proud to be joining CBRE at this exciting time, to become a trusted adviser within these high-growth sectors,” he continued. “I look forward to leveraging deep data-driven insights through global sector expertise to add real value to existing and future clients.”

CBRE’s Northern managing director, John Ogden, concurred.

“All three of the cities where we have our Northern offices – Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester are hot spots for science/life sciences and tech and CBRE is better placed than anyone to provide advice due to coverage, resource, and capability.”

Ogden continued: “By having the very best talent in the Northern region, we can offer an unrivalled service to our client base. The science and technology sector is gaining huge momentum and we are aligning our business with the growth sectors to ensure that we continue to lead the way in the North and UK.”

Joe Rigby, head of office agency in the North, also welcomed Lowe’s appointment, saying that his arrival comes “at a pivotal time for the science and technology sector”.

Rigby added: “With vast sector-specific experience, Jonathan can offer a unique insight and ensure a full-service offering for clients.”

Lowe will be based in CBRE’s Manchester office.