James Lankfer
Partner, Retail and Leisure
Head of Retail and Leisure
With 30+ years’ experience, James’s knowledge of his towns and occupiers is exceptional – he knows how to make transactions work but also enjoys working with clients and occupiers.
With 30+ years’ experience, James’s knowledge of his towns and occupiers is exceptional – he knows how to make transactions work but also enjoys working with clients and occupiers.
Ever the modest character and with a dry sense of humour, James claims that ‘a bit of grey hair goes a long way’ - he’s built his significant experience and knowledge across 30+ years in the industry.
As head of the retail and leisure team, James enjoys his leading role and gets immense satisfaction from working with his colleagues - in his words, this is what he particularly loves about his job. As a result, clients also enjoy working with him and his playful character.
James’s areas of expertise are in development advice for mixed-use schemes, food stores and retail warehousing, as well as in the acquisition and disposal of motor dealerships, retail and restaurant properties, hotels and care homes.
His knowledge of the ever-evolving retail and leisure market, the variety of deals he has done, his tenacious attitude and the kick he gets out of problem solving, even as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, is why his portfolio clients trust and keep coming back to him.
Creating a home for three of the world’s trillion-dollar companies
Out of Town Retail Databook
Our latest report on the out of town retail market.
High Street Retail Databook
Our latest report on the high street retail market.
The Arc’s global R&D position offering retailers opportunity as political chaos subsides
With occupier demand for city centre and out of town opportunities increasing across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Bidwells is expanding its agency team. Head of retail and leisure James Lankfer explains why.
Our View on Out of Town Retail - Spring 2020
Take up across the main out of town retail markets rebounded from a disappointing 2018, with 214,600 sq ft of lettings. Ipswich and Cambridge accounted for 78% of activity.
Our View on High Street Retail - Spring 2020
Availability continues to tighten, having fallen by 26% from the recent peak in mid 2017.
Securing thriving retail and leisure occupiers to the heart of Cambridge at the CB1 masterplan.
Identifying the best-fit client type for a 1.5 acre site and negotiating the sale of the land to maximise its value.
Helping Snap Fitness achieve its aggressive nationwide expansion plans through expert property, leasehold terms and fitout advice.
