About Downing - Downing Corporate

Company Overview

Downing operates across three successful divisions: mixed use development, property management and construction. This unique approach arms us with the breadth of experience and skill to maximise value, quality and use of space where others would fall short.

Downing has developed and managed bespoke accommodation for a range of blue chip companies, central government departments and leading universities and as a development partner to the public sector.

Proud of our commercial portfolio, our property management team ensures we have the strongest possible relationship with our tenants and that all of our properties are maintained and managed to the highest standards.

Downing Construction is the group’s in-house construction arm, handling the main contracting role of all our construction requirements and employing a highly skilled team of property professionals. This expertise minimises risk and ensures projects are delivered on time and in budget.

This holistic approach is the key to our sustainability. By refusing to be one-dimensional we maintain a thriving investment portfolio and are continuing to grow as a major force in the property industry throughout the UK.

GEORGE DOWNING

FOUNDER

The driving force behind Downing’s growth, George is also widely credited for playing a significant role in Liverpool’s regeneration. An early pioneer of city centre student villages, he moved the business into the office and mixed-use development markets in the late 90s, where his passion and vision continues to breathe new life into city centres. To date Downing is developing approximately £1 billion worth of student accommodation.
ANN LODGE

JOINT CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Ann plays a leading role in deciding the strategic direction of the business alongside George and Sally. With responsibility for marketing and business development she has been instrumental in establishing the Downing brand and developing the company’s reputation across the UK.
SALLY O’BRIEN

JOINT CHIEF EXECUTIVE

In addition to being strongly involved in the growth and development of Downing, Sally is responsible for building many of the company’s key commercial and financial relationships. Internally she plays a leading role in recruitment.
PAUL HOUGHTON

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Leading the group’s urban projects division, Paul is responsible for co-ordinating Downing’s growing portfolio of mixed-use development activity across the UK. He has a track record for overcoming complex planning issues, working in partnership with public authorities and development partners and known for achieving maximum potential from challenging inner city sites.
IAN ORTON

CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR

Drawing on a 30 year career in the construction industry, Ian leads the company’s in-house contracting division George Downing Construction (GDC). He oversees a team of 45 to manage and deliver major refurbishment and new-build schemes. Under Ian’s tenure GDC has enjoyed three consecutive years of significant growth and is currently active on projects worth in the region of £150 million.
SIMON GARNETT

FINANCE DIRECTOR

With a career history that includes senior financial positions with national developers and house builders, Simon has an excellent working knowledge of funding large scale residential, commercial and regeneration projects. At Downing he oversees the financing of the company ensuring it has a strong platform for growth.
JOHN CLEGG

HEAD OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

John leads Downing’s in-house property management team, with direct responsibility for letting and managing over half a million sq ft of commercial space and a student accommodation portfolio of 7,133 beds. His role includes caring for some of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks and ensuring Downing enjoys a strong relationship with all of its tenants by delivering the highest standards of customer service.

George Downing

“Over the last 20 years of developing and investing in student accommodation, I have seen the market blossom and mature into an asset class in its own right. Throughout this period, all of my developments have achieved double digit returns and I feel more confident than ever that we can build on our vast experience to achieve even greater things in this sector”