June 28, 2018
GCW has promoted Simon Horner to Equity Partner. Simon leads its Alternative Sectors team, covering areas such as hotels, retirement living, gyms, children nurseries, student housing and drive thru restaurants.
Simon’s promotion is in recognition of the successful launch of a stand-alone Alternatives Sectors team last year. The team has already established itself as an integral part of GCW, built a strong reputation in the market and is now poised for further expansion.
Simon launched the team following his long-standing experience securing roadside opportunities for Tesco Express and KFC. The team has aligned themselves to key operators with the various sectors they cover, including Vastint for hotels, Hamberley for retirement living /health care and Busy Bees for children’s nurseries.
“GCW was an early adopter in the Alternative Sectors market and I’m proud that we’ve led the way for specialist firms to capitalise on the opportunities on offer. Our knowledge has come from exploring alternative uses for retailing space. Town centres are changing rapidly and our experience adds to GCW’s ability to drive placemaking and bring alternative occupiers to town centres,” says Simon.
Simon joined GCW in 1998, after moving from New Zealand, where he held several senior roles in leading property consultancies. A Reading University graduate, he trained initially with Cushman & Wakefield and worked for CBRE before running his own business.
Simon Morris, GCW Director, comments, “Since joining the firm 20 years ago, Simon has consistently broadened our offer, thinking beyond the obvious of retail and placemaking, to take us into new and emerging markets. As one of the longest standing advisors in the UK Alternative sectors, Simon has market intelligence and knowledge in spades. His creativity and dedication are second to none and the firm is delighted to reward his talent with an equity partnership.”
