Association for Rental Living appoints new Scotland Hub Chair – Scottish Business News

THE Association for Rental Living (ARL – formerly UKAA) has appointed Iain Murray as the new Chair of the ARL Scotland Hub. Murray, Head of Operational Living at Bidwells, will take over from current Chair Gillian McLees on 10th May 2024, following the Living Asset Specialist’s two-year tenure as Chair of the Scotland Hub.

ARL’s Scotland Hub brings together key living sector stakeholders through a diverse range of events that proactively address the key challenges and opportunities for the sector, showcase best practices and focus on customer service and other key operational and investment concerns. Events range from in-depth panel discussions and social events to study tours.

As with all ARL’s regional Hubs, the Scotland Hub features programming designed around the specific locality. In addition to Scotland, ARL also operates Hubs for the North West, the Midlands and London & the South East. Hubs for the North East and the South West of England & Wales are planned.

Brendan Geraghty, CEO, ARL, commented:

“On behalf of all those at ARL, I would like to thank Gillian McLees for her excellent leadership and contribution to the work of the Scotland Hub over the past two years. Gillian been at the heart of establishing the hugely successful ARL Scotland Hub and growing its membership and impact. She has created significant links for the ARL with Scottish Government Ministers and policymakers, increasing understanding of the value of the Build to Rent (BTR) sector to housing in Scotland.

“The recent positive reaction to the ARL BTR Code of Practice is a fine example of the impact that Gillian has had, establishing a strong platform for future engagement for the incoming Chair to build upon. We are delighted to welcome Iain Murray to pick up the mantle and take this work forward.”

Gillian McLees, inaugural Chair, ARL Scotland Hub, said:

“It was an honour and privilege to be the inaugural Chair of the ARL Scotland Hub and I am extremely proud of the work we achieved, working towards so many excellent and far-reaching projects. I am confident that Iain is the ideal person to take that to the next stage.”

In addition to his role as Chair of the ARL Scotland Hub, Iain Murray serves as Head of Operational Living at Bidwells. Murray made the move to Bidwells as part of the firm’s strategic acquisition of Cortland Consult, where he previously served as Senior Director BTR Consultancy (Europe). While at Cortland Consult, living sector stalwart Murray was also a member of ARL’s Whole Life Costing Working Group. He has worked in the BTR sector since its inception, having served as Managing Director of LIV Consult.

Iain Murray, Chair, ARL Scotland Hub, commented:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take the work of the ARL Scotland Hub forward at this important time for the living sector here in Scotland. My thanks to Gillian for her inspired and strategic leadership of the Hub to date, which has provided a firm foundation for future success.”

For more information, please visit www.theARL.org.uk