Rapleys appoints new head of automotive and roadside

Property and planning consultancy Rapleys has appointed Daniel Cook as head of the firm’s automotive and roadside team.

Rapleys partner Cook has been with the firm for 16 years and provides clients both agency and professional advice including on acquisitions, disposals, rent reviews, lease renewals other landlord and tenant matters and valuations, the company said. 

Cook has advised brands including Pendragon, Lookers, Mercedes-Benz Retail Group and Sytner Group and is a RICS Registered Valuer, RICS APC Assessor and a RICS Fellow, said Rapleys.

He assumes the role of head of automotive and roadside at Rapleys from Phil Blackford who, after 37 years of service to the firm and its clients, will be retiring from the partnership.

Cook said: “Rapleys has been synonymous with the automotive and roadside property market for over 40 years and, as we look ahead to the next 40, significant changes, and opportunities, lie on the horizon for our clients.

“The Government’s ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality targets and the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales looks set to have a transformative effect in the industry."

“Many forecourt operators are already looking at repurposing fuel filling sites to prepare for a ramping up of demand from electric vehicles (EVs).

“At the same time, there continues to be high demand for prominent automotive sites, including from other commercial uses, while many dealership groups who have been sustained through the pandemic by government support schemes are now looking to the future and seeking to expand – both organically and through business acquisitions.

“We expect further consolidation in the market and that to generate new property-related challenges and opportunities for businesses.”

Most recently, Rapley's propoerty consultancy has issued a nationwide appeal on behalf of Kwik Fit has as it bids to expand its fast-fit car maintenance network.