Hanro Group

The Hanro Group is a substantial, privately owned property investment and development organisation with its base in Newcastle upon Tyne. Established in 1921, the company has built a long-standing presence within the property sector, evolving its operations over more than a century. Initially, the firm created a property asset base, which was significantly expanded throughout the 1990s. This expansion involved the acquisition of both speculative and pre-let development opportunities, alongside the purchase of investment properties. The core business of the Group remains firmly rooted in property investment and development.

The company manages a considerable portfolio of assets, reflecting its significant engagement in the regional property market. The Hanro Group's investment portfolio currently holds a value in the order of £170 million. In addition to this, the firm's development stock accounts for a further £150 million. These substantial figures underscore the scale of the company's operations and its capacity for large-scale property ventures. The firm's strategy is to continue the growth of this property portfolio through selective investment and development activities.

The Hanro Group benefits from an in-house management team that possesses extensive experience across both the finance and commercial property markets. This team's expertise is complemented by a deep understanding of the local and regional market dynamics, alongside a proven track record in successful property ventures. This combination of financial acumen and regional insight places the company in a strong position to pursue its strategic objectives. The firm maintains a long-term commitment to the property sector and specifically to the North of England, aiming to continue its growth throughout this region.

Leadership within The Hanro Group saw a significant transition in April 2024 with the appointment of Duncan Barrie as Managing Director. Mr. Barrie, who had served as the company's finance director for seven years, assumed the top leadership role from Adam Serfontein. While Mr. Serfontein stepped back from day-to-day operations after 25 years with the group, he remains a director, providing valuable strategic advice. These leadership changes are intended to support the company's ongoing growth ambitions and its focus on developing and expanding its investment and development operations.

The company's operational focus includes specific attention to office development projects in key urban centres such as Newcastle and Sunderland. This strategic direction is supported by recent senior appointments made in March 2022, which included Gagan Jagpal as portfolio manager, Laura Lloyd stepping into new responsibilities as head of portfolio, and Iain Rollingson as head of property management. These appointments were made as the firm aimed to expand its presence across the region and build on its reputation for portfolio management and delivering innovative and sustainable development projects. The Hanro Group is actively involved in initiatives such as converting the former Gilbridge police station in Sunderland into modern flexible office space, a £3.5 million redevelopment project.