Savills has appointed Katherine Ilett director in it rural valuation and consultancy team in the East of England.
Katherine joins after 10 years working for Bidwells where she specialised in operational living capital markets – advising on the purchase and sale of assets including purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and Build-to-Rent opportunities.
As well as working with Oxbridge colleges on their student accommodation strategies, other clients included pension funds, investment managers and private developers.
In her new role Katherine, a RICS registered valuer, will be based out of the Savills Cambridge office but will work alongside colleagues in London. She will be responsible for valuing farms and estates across Cambridgeshire and wider East Anglia.
Katherine, who was raised in Suffolk and whose parents are farmers, said she was delighted to be returning to her rural roots.
She said: “I decided to become a surveyor after growing up on a dairy and arable farm which was sold by Savills when I was 16.
“I’ve always been passionate about the countryside and find farms and estates fascinating. I’m excited to be working in a sector that was such a big part of my childhood.
“Learning to drive on a tractor, bottle feeding lambs and watching calves being born are all experiences that stay with you and form your values. I’m thrilled to be getting out in the countryside again after working in London for most of my career.
“The agricultural sector is undergoing a huge amount of change, but that also opens doors for other ventures – whether that’s finding alternative income streams through diversification or exploring regenerative and sustainable farming techniques.
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with what is already a very experienced team and to visit some of the most interesting farms and estates in the UK.”
Oliver Carr, who leads the rural team at Savills Cambridge, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Katherine on board. She brings a wealth of experience to a very important part of our business and her skillset underscores our commitment to strengthening and growing our teams in response to market forces.
“Katherine’s rural background gives her a clear understanding of the issues and complexities currently facing the agricultural sector and her knowledge of working in Capital Markets will bring a fresh perspective that perfectly complements the rest of the team – something that’s absolutely critical when advising clients at a time of such change.
“I’m confident her experience and enthusiasm will see her thrive as we continue to provide the very best service to clients old and new.”
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