BNP Paribas Real Estate, part of the BNP Paribas Group, has appointed John Willoughby and Matthew Fanning as Directors in its national rating team, marking the next phase of a strategic investment programme to enhance the firm’s business rates advisory offer.
Following the recent appointment of Bruce Wilson as Head of Rating, these senior hires signal a continued commitment to strengthening BNP Paribas Real Estate’s capabilities across geographies, sectors and property types in advance of the 2026 revaluation.
John joins from the Valuation Office Agency and brings over 25 years’ experience advising a wide range of clients across the North of England. Based in Yorkshire, he is recognised for his deep understanding of the regional property landscape, delivering robust rating strategies and cost efficiencies for both public and private sector clients. His expertise in regional market dynamics will be critical in supporting investors, developers, and occupiers navigating complex rating challenges.
Matthew joins from Knight Frank and has extensive business rates experience, having advised and provided strategic guidance to both landlords and occupier clients over the last 15+ years. His expertise spans a variety of property types, including the leisure and retail sectors, acting as a direct liaison for clients, identifying opportunities for Business Rates mitigation, the review of valuations and the prosecution of rating cases to through the complexities of the Check/Challenge/Appeal process.
The team will also be supported by Joe Iver who joins the team as Senior Associate Director from the Valuation Office Agency and will be based in London, and Will Stevens who joins as Senior Surveyor with a focus on spectrum of properties across the Midlands and the South East. He will be based in Birmingham.
Etienne Prongué, CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate UK commented: “These appointments reaffirm our strategic intent to grow a leading, joined-up rating advisory business with true national reach. Business rates remain a key cost pressure for clients, and by investing in senior expertise in key locations, we’re making sure we can offer tailored, data-driven advice wherever our clients operate. This is about long-term value creation through the right talent and the right insight.”
Bruce Wilson, Head of Rating at BNP Paribas Real Estate commented: “John and Matthew are exceptional practitioners with proven track records of delivering results in challenging market conditions. Their appointments build on our momentum and adds depth to our national team at a critical time in the business rates cycle. Together, alongside our existing team and new recruits in Joe and Will, we will bolster our client focused service offering which reflects the complexity of today’s landscape and the urgency of their needs.”
BNP Paribas Real Estate’s rating team continues to support clients across sectors – including licenced premises, logistics, offices, retail, data centres and the public sector – to unlock savings, mitigate risk, and optimise their liabilities. The growing team combines sector specialists, chartered surveyors, public sector experts, and account management professionals to provide a comprehensive, future-ready service.
Alongside Bruce Wilson recently joining the team, these two senior hires are part of a wider number of strategic appointments across the business, demonstrating the firms continued drive to connect clients with opportunities and sustainable property solutions in a changing world.
