Senior appointment at Knight Frank in Cardiff as firm launches locally-based business rates service

Property consultancy Knight Frank has appointed Jon Ely as partner to head up a new Business Rates service from its Cardiff office.

Joining from Cushman & Wakefield, Jon will provide an on-the-ground ratings service to local and national companies operating in South Wales and the South West.

Matt Phillips, office head of the Knight Frank office in Cardiff, said:

“This is a senior appointment and is a strategic step in providing an unrivalled service to our clients. Business rates represent a very significant cost to occupiers and having Jon based locally – supported by our large national team – can help ensure our clients are paying the right amount.”

The Knight Frank Business Rates division provides a range of services, covering all areas of business rates including challenges and appeals, auditing and rate mitigation for empty properties.

Jon Ely, 41, was formerly with Cushman & Wakefield where he was responsible for the management of the South West and Wales Rating Team, and prior to that oversaw the rating team at Gerald Eve in Cardiff.

He said:

“This is a really exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge of building a successful business rates team for Knight Frank in Cardiff.

“Business rates can typically equate to approximately half of a company’s annual rent. They represent one of the largest overheads for businesses, yet are often overlooked and can substantially impact on profitability. My expertise can assist ratepayers reduce that burden, through working with clients to develop a tailored rating strategy.”

Jon Ely lives in Penarth.