Colby River has made significant strides in its student living strategy with the recent appointments of Matt James as Head of Operations for Student Living and Seth Clifford-Banks as Senior Asset Manager. These appointments are aimed at bolstering the company’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio and enhancing the living experience for students.
Leadership Appointments
Seth Clifford-Banks, who brings a wealth of experience from 25 years in the living sector, will lead the PBSA Asset Management team. He began his career in hotel operations with Marriott Hotels before transitioning into student accommodation. His background includes eight years in Asset Management with Mapletree, equipping him with the expertise necessary to navigate this competitive market.
We are at the start of an exciting journey at Colby River; it’s a new platform that has the energy and drive of a start-up, but with a strong, proven track record,” said Clifford-Banks. He emphasised the opportunity to shape Colby River’s PBSA segment and create an industry-leading operation. Colby River already boasts five outstanding properties in prime locations, offering excellent resident amenities, which provides a solid foundation for future expansion.
Operational Excellence and Strategy
Matt James, who will focus on Property Management, has extensive experience in the student accommodation sector. Previously, he served as Head of Operations at Empiric Student Property‘s Hello Student platform, managing 8,000 beds across 21 cities. His role at Colby River will involve developing a unique student resident offering and enhancing operational performance.
Student living is a dynamic market and one that’s constantly evolving,” James stated. His team is well-positioned to address the changing needs of students across various living sectors. Colby River’s portfolio is designed to support students through every stage of their academic journey, from their initial steps away from home to postgraduates considering their next steps.
Current Portfolio and Future Growth
The PBSA projects currently under Colby River’s management include two developments in Exeter: The Barn, located in the city centre, and The Lantern, situated adjacent to the University’s cricket fields. Additionally, there is a scheme in Glasgow’s West End and Potterrow in Edinburgh, which spans two buildings. Colby River has also taken over the Asset Management of Packsaddle in Penryn, further diversifying its portfolio.
Since its establishment in 2025 following a spin-out from the Dandara Group, Colby River has rapidly expanded its reach, now managing over 5,300 residential units across the UK, including more than 1,000 PBSA units. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to delivering quality student accommodation and meeting the evolving requirements of the market.
With the combined expertise of James and Clifford-Banks, Colby River is poised to maximise its impact in the PBSA sector, striving to become a trusted partner for students and investors alike. Their focus on operational excellence and innovative offerings is expected to set new standards in the student accommodation landscape.