The Scottish Property Federation (SPF) has announced joint managing director of Miller Developments, Andrew Sutherland, as its new chairman.

Succeeding current chairman, Paul Curran, who is director of Edinburgh-based Quartermile Developments, Andrew’s new role will commence at the SPF’s Annual Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre tonight.

Andrew, who will now spearhead the organisation in Scotland, will use his new role to campaign for the best possible regulatory and competitive platform for the real estate sector in Scotland to attract jobs and investment to the country’s built environment. In particular, Andrew will ensure that governments at all levels realise the benefits of boosting commercial property development activity north of the border.

Other elements of Andrew’s 2018 priorities include supporting governments to position Scotland as a competitive location to potential investors and managing ways to reduce the time required to complete developments through engagement with the Scottish Government on its new Planning Bill expected to be introduced to Holyrood shortly.

David Melhuish, director of the SPF, said: “We are delighted Andrew Sutherland is taking up the role of Chairman of the SPF. Paul Curran has had a fantastic year, and Andrew picks up the role at a time of gathering engagement across Holyrood and Whitehall for SPF. His knowledge of planning and development matters working across the UK will be a huge benefit as we tackle the next Scottish Planning Bill.

“We now look forward to working with Andrew over the next year, continuing to strengthen our links with government and producing substantive industry evidence for our members, their investors and government alike, to ensure our own growth strategy benefits the property industry here in Scotland.”

Andrew Sutherland said: “I am extremely pleased to be taking on the role as chairman of the SPF. I want to continue contributing and working hard to represent the interests of Scotland’s commercial and residential markets to attract investors, speed up development times and improve our overall planning strategies.

“Time is one of our biggest issues and I want to see quicker responses for developers looking towards Scotland with an eye on investment. I’ve been particularly active with planning matters across the UK and am therefore in a good position to compare and contrast planning services to hopefully improve the current situation.

“I’m now looking forward to working with David Melhuish and the rest of the SPF team over the next year, and making a positive change to the industry here in Scotland.”

Andrew hopes to see an increase in the industry contribution to the economy, supported by the campaigns he has been active in as a long-standing member of the SPF board and vice-chair.

These campaigns include: rates incentives for new build and new occupiers announced by finance secretary Derek Mackay, the proposals to improve the planning service, including the resourcing of the planning service and the implementation of the Barclay review of business rates.

Andrew has worked for Miller Developments for more than 30 years, honing his skills in real estate development, contract negotiation and commercial management.

After graduating from University of Edinburgh with a 1st Class honours degree in Civil Engineering, Andrew was responsible for all acquisitions, letting and financing aspects of the Paisley Shopping Centre before joining Miller Developments in 1992.

Throughout his career at Miller Developments he has held a number of directorships within joint venture companies including New Edinburgh Limited, working on the development of 2 1/4 million square feet of offices on the west side of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Park.

Some of Andrew’s other key achievements include responsibility for the following projects: Edinburgh Quay, a £60m regeneration project in joint venture with British Waterways, Omega, a £1 billion office park in Warrington, Arena Central, a £450m office, retail, residential and leisure development in Birmingham City Centre and City Road Basin, a £120m regeneration project in Islington, London.

Andrew is also a member of the Regeneration Committee of the British Property Federation.

Miller Mathieson, MD of CBRE Scotland, will replace Andrew in the role as vice-chairman of the SPF.