Stiles Harold Williams has established a new leisure division, focused on the hotel and leisure industries.

According to the company, which has offices in Brighton, Eastbourne, Crawley and Worthing, the leisure property sector continues to be very buoyant, with strong demand for licensed premises from private investors and corporate buyers.

The new Stiles Harold Williams Leisure Division will be led by Peter Cottell, who joins as an associate in the company's Crawley office from one of the UK's leading hotel and leisure property advisers and agents.

Mr Cottell has extensive experience working with clients in the hospitality and licensed sector, as well as in the healthcare industry.

The move reflects Stiles Harold Williams' ambitious plans for the future.

It will, according to managing director, David Hadden, allow the company to broaden its client base by adding another speciality to an already broad range of services.

He said: "The leisure market is attractive to us and I see a considerable cross-servicing opportunity with many of our existing clients, particularly in the South East.

"Peter's appointment brings additional expertise in the leisure sector to our skills base."

Stiles Harold Williams already has established niche practices in sectors as diverse as healthcare, education, charities and roadside/motor trade.

Mr Cottell is a chartered surveyor with more than ten years' experience in both professional and agency work.

He has advised on valuation, development and the disposal of hotels, pubs, restaurants, holiday parks, health clubs, golf courses, nursing homes, and residential care homes over the course of his career.

Mr Cottell said: "There are enormous opportunities in the leisure market in the South-East.

"Stiles Harold Williams already handles a number of leisure inquiries and I can provide an extra dimension of specialist skill and extensive contacts."

Tuesday September 21, 2004