One of the best known faces from Birmingham’s property sector has joined a firm looking to make a name for itself in the city.

David Allen, who has worked for a number of companies but has spent the last decade at BNP Paribas, has joined Shortland Penn + Moore as a director.

The investment expert will operate across the whole region from the firm’s recently opened Colmore Row office alongside SP+M director Jonathan Moore. The firm has its head office in Coventry.

Mr Allen, who has been a member of the Midlands Investment Property Forum Regional Board for more than five years, joined Fuller Peiser in 2001 before its purchase by BNP Paribas-owned Atis Real. He was director of investment for the French firm.

Mr Allen, who has also worked for DTZ, Phoenix Beard and Drivers Jonas in Birmingham, said: “Shortland Penn + Moore established its Birmingham office earlier in the year and is making great strides.

“It has built from a strong base in Coventry and expanded in recent times.

“Jonathan has a very high reputation in the industry and is highly regarded in property investment.

“This is a strategic expansion into Birmingham and I am very much looking forward to building the presence of Shortland Penn + Moore across the Midlands.

“I have considerable experience in helping to establish successful offices in the city and then expanding the companies involved.

“To be doing it with a young and dynamic company is a really exciting prospect.”

Jonathan Moore, director of Shortland Penn + Moore, said the appointment of Mr Allen was a key move in the company’s planned growth.

“We have grown well since establishing our operation in Birmingham, and David’s arrival will help us consolidate that growth and allow us to keep expanding,” he said.

“He has a quite outstanding record both in general commercial property work but especially in investment.

“That experience and his fantastic range of contacts will be a real asset to us as we push forward in the coming months.”