Knight Frank has poached a five strong development team from DTZ.

The team, formerly at Donaldsons prior to DTZ taking over the firm last year, comprises three directors - Jon Pinkerton, George Barnes and Duncan Thomas plus Guy Ingham who will join as an associate and Chris Hemmings as a surveyor.

The team will report to Alex Dawson, head of strategic consultancy and public sector and work with existing partners James Leaver, Pelham Walker and Richard Walters.

'Business as usual'

DTZ’s UK & Ireland chairman Robert Peto, said: ‘While it is disappointing that five colleagues have chosen to move to Knight Frank, this has to be seen in the context of a staff of over 50 development and planning consultants in London and 140 nationally.

DTZ added: ‘Responsibilities have already been distributed within the existing team maintaining a “business as usual” environment for clients.’

Knight Frank’s strategic consultancy and public sector department advises across government departments, local authorities, regeneration and development agencies, and police, health and educational bodies.

The three directors will join as salaried partners.

Alistair Elliott, head of commercial division, Knight Frank said: ‘These appointments add further weight to our already well established team.