MDL Marinas appoints new head of estates

MDL Marinas has appointed property professional Colin Lambert as its new head of estates, as the company continues to invest in and develop its marina estate.

Lambert spent more than 20 years at Savills (UK), most recently as a director within its licensed leisure team. His experience covers leisure and trade-related property, with a focus on the relationship between property and the operational requirements of trading businesses.

During his time at Savills, Lambert advised corporate and individual clients on valuation, agency and estate management. Based in Southampton, he managed nationwide valuation instructions involving operational real estate, working with colleagues across multiple offices and divisions. He also spent 18 months on secondment with Greene King as an estate manager, where he managed a portfolio of tenanted public houses across the South.

A chartered surveyor and RICS registered valuer, Lambert will work with tenants across MDL’s marina network. His role will include identifying opportunities to improve the estate, supporting investment and assessing the requirements of businesses operating from MDL’s commercial spaces. He will also help maintain a mix of on-site businesses and services for berth holders, visitors and the wider marina community.

Lambert joins the Estates team led by estates director Jonathan King. King’s background includes asset management, acquisitions, disposals and capital projects. The wider team includes estates managers with experience in commercial property, leasing, development and day-to-day estate management, supported by facilities and administrative staff.

‘Experience beyond traditional property management’

Jonathan King, estates director at MDL Marinas, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Colin to MDL. His experience goes well beyond traditional property management; he has a strong understanding of how property needs to work for the businesses occupying it, which is particularly important across our marina estate.

“Our marinas are home to a diverse range of marine, leisure and commercial businesses, and we want to provide well-managed spaces where those businesses can operate effectively and develop over the long term.

“Colin’s experience of asset management, tenanted estates and commercial property strengthens the expertise we already have within the Estates team and will help us work even more proactively with our tenants as we progress investment and opportunities across the portfolio.”

‘A natural fit’

Commenting on his appointment, Lambert says: “I’m really pleased to be joining MDL at such an exciting time for the business. Having spent more than 20 years working across property and the leisure sector, this role gives me the opportunity to bring that experience into a business with a diverse estate and a strong network of commercial tenants.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with tenants and colleagues across MDL’s marina network, understanding the requirements of each location and identifying practical opportunities to improve and develop the estate.

“I’ve also grown up around boats, so joining a business within the marine industry feels like a natural fit for me personally as well as professionally.”

Lambert studied Real Estate Management at Oxford Brookes University and qualified as a chartered surveyor in 2005. He joins MDL with immediate effect.

MDL has offices, workshops, retail units and other commercial spaces available across its network of 18 UK marinas.