Expanding Our London MBA Team

Investing in Our MBA Team

We are delighted to announce the hiring of two Trainee Appraisers to our MBA London team. Both Ayub Yusuf and Wesley Marshall joined us back in February and have already hit the ground running.

Ayub brings a combined Engineering oriented degree with experience in both the business administration and leisure sectors. Wesley has completed a degree in Marketing and Management Science. Both have successful sporting backgrounds, with Ayub competing at top level in the GFL1 American Football League for Pforzheim Wilddogs and Wesley represented South Africa in international water polo competitions.

We place immense value on the career growth opportunities we deliver for staff. Our teams are committed to offer tailored hands-on opportunities to those who are willing to learn in our trainee potions. Ayub and Wesley will be actively involved in working closely with our experienced MBA team who will provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback, in order to help them navigate their roles and develop professionally.

Speaking on this exciting growth of our MBA junior team, our two London based MBA Managing Directors comment;

“Welcoming trainees into the business is always rewarding, seeing their confidence grow as they find their place here reminds us why developing young professionals really matter. We are really excited to see how we can support both Ayub and Wesley in their new roles” – Peter Atkinson MRICS

“The MBA sector offers involvement across a wide variety of industry classes and every trainee who joins us brings their own ambitions and perspective. It’s a privilege to play a part in helping them build their future while they help shape ours. Welcome to our MBA team, Ayub and Wesley” – Kevin Smyth AssocRICS

Welcoming Simon Withall, Appraiser

A passion for vehicles and boats has shaped the career journey of one of our newest team members, Simon, whose path into plant and machinery valuation began at a surprisingly young age. While still at school and searching for work experience at just 14 years old, the options available through the school careers office felt uninspiring. With the help of his father, a Partner and Insolvency Practitioner at Grant Thornton’s London office, an opportunity arose through business connections with a competitor. 

The early exposure clearly left a lasting impression. At the age of 20, he formally joined a competitor as a Valuer, beginning what would become a 15-year period working on a wide range of complex and interesting assignments. 

Across Simon professional portfolio he has worked with an impressive range of assets. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing assets over the years. Everything from cherished number plates, motorbikes and classic cars to prestige vehicles, HGV fleets, yachts, powerboats and even superyachts.” 

Following a period away from the valuation sector, Simon has returned with renewed enthusiasm. Now settled into his role, his first projects already reflect the variety that the plant and machinery sector offers. Initial assignments include work with a Company portfolio, an audio visual auction, and a London based courier business. 

When it comes to the areas of the role he finds most engaging, vehicles and marine assets remain a particular passion. “Vehicles and boats have always been a key interest of mine, but I’m also keen to learn more about other types of plant and different industries. Looking at current trends, he believes businesses should keep a close eye on fuel costs and the potential ripple effects across industries. “If conflict in Iran continues, fuel prices could soar families and businesses may need to become much more conscious of fuel usage and driving styles.” 

Outside of work, his interests remain closely tied to the water and the outdoors. He holds several Royal Yachting Association certifications, including Powerboat Level 2, and enjoys boating, sea and coarse fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and cycling. His adventurous streak extends beyond hobbies; over the years he has completed a number of physical challenges, including the London to Brighton bike ride, a 26.2-mile charity walk from St Albans to Wembley Stadium for Prostate Cancer UK, a 27-mile kayak down the River Wye, and the Great North Run. 

He also gives back through volunteering, supporting the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal and previously serving on the Salvation Army Emergency Response Team during the Grenfell Tower incident. 

With a deep passion for vehicles, a broad valuation background and a willingness to embrace new sectors and challenges, he brings both experience and enthusiasm as he returns to the world of plant and machinery valuation. 

We wish Ayub, Wesley and Simon a successful and enjoyable career with the firm! Please join us in welcoming them to the Hilco family!