Chris Pratt, managing director of Yorkshire property firm Gaunts Ltd, is retiring after being at the helm for the past 13 years.
Mr Pratt has been based at the company’s main site, Springfield Mills in Farsley, since his appointment in 2012 and he has been instrumental in re-organising and expanding the company’s property portfolio.
He has overseen the re-development of the Springfield Mills site, upgrading the units to provide a modern and popular working environment, as well as co-ordinating the installation of solar panels to both Springfield and Hilltop in Bramley, which now generates 40% of the electricity.
He has increased the company’s assets from over £10 million to £16 million, and the total number of tenancies across the company has increased by a third. He also reorganised their property portfolio selling two small sites and purchasing five larger sites across North and West Yorkshire.
Mr Pratt will still be a non-executive director at Gaunts and is overseeing the completion of a new build project at Springfield, which features eight new hybrid commercial units, available from the start of 2026.
He said: “I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of people and businesses over the years.
“It’s been great to be a part of a thriving business community, whilst being supported by the professional and hardworking team at Gaunts Ltd.
“But I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other hobbies. I’m currently getting into bee keeping and we’re producing pots of honey as table gifts for my daughter’s wedding in September!”
New Managing Director of Gaunts is Paul Curson, a chartered surveyor with over 30 years’ experience in property and asset management.
Mr Curson said: “I am looking forward to working with the Gaunts team day to day, developing the company’s portfolio, raising the profile of Gaunts Ltd, and focusing on future plans including our commitment to sustainability initiatives.”
Gaunts Ltd’s commercial property portfolio consists of 11 sites (250,000 sq ft) across West and North Yorkshire with a mix of office, leisure, industrial and retail premises for up to 200 businesses.