Member Spotlight: Joanne Perritt, Partner and Head of Commercial Property, Myerson Solicitors

Introduce yourself

I’m Joanne Perritt, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Myerson Solicitors. I have more than 20 years’ experience advising businesses, investors, developers and landowners on a wide range of commercial property matters.

I’m originally from Northern Ireland and have built my career in the North West. I joined Myerson in 2007, became a Partner in 2014 and have led the firm’s Commercial Property team since 2019.

Today, I lead a talented and growing team that advises on everything from the acquisition and disposal of business premises and property investment to development projects, portfolio management, funding and strategic land. I also sit on Myerson’s Board and lead the firm’s Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.

As a female leader working in commercial property, I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment in which people from different backgrounds can build successful and rewarding careers.

Career highlight

One of my greatest career highlights has been leading Myerson’s Commercial Property team as it has grown and strengthened its position in the North West market.

The team has been recognised as Tier 1 by The Legal 500 for several years and regularly competes with much larger city-centre practices on complex and high-value transactions. I am incredibly proud of the reputation we have developed and, most importantly, the trusted and long-standing relationships we have built with our clients.

Being recognised as a Leading Partner by The Legal 500 has been a significant personal achievement, but seeing colleagues progress and develop within the team and the firm is equally rewarding. I was responsible for developing and delivering Myerson’s trainee solicitor programme for many years and it is a huge privilege to be able to influence and support the development of the next generation of lawyers.

Name three words that describe your personality

Approachable, determined and pragmatic.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

The opportunity to connect with people from such a broad range of businesses and sectors across Greater Manchester.

pro-manchester creates an environment in which people can share ideas, learn from one another and form genuine professional relationships. Its focus on collaboration, diversity and inclusion is particularly important, as bringing together different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives helps Manchester’s business community continue to develop and succeed.

What are your priorities for 2026?

A major priority is continuing to grow Myerson’s Commercial Property team while maintaining the high standards of service and technical expertise for which we are known.

The commercial property market is constantly evolving and we want to continue helping investors, developers, landowners and businesses navigate new opportunities, changing regulations and increasingly complex transactions.

I am also focused on developing Myerson’s ESG strategy through Myerson IMPACT, our firm-wide initiative bringing together our commitments to our people, our local community and the environment. We want ESG to be embedded in the way we operate and make decisions, rather than viewed simply as a policy or reporting exercise.

Supporting the next generation of professionals is another important priority. As a female leader , I recognise the importance of visible role models, inclusive workplaces and creating clear opportunities for people to progress.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

As an adopted Mancunian, I find it fascinating to see how Manchester continues to grow and change. I’ve built my career here and the physical landscape of the city is constantly evolving around us.

There is a lot of conversation about Manchester cementing its position as the capital of the North, and I’m really interested to see how that unfolds. The growth of the city’s business community, its ability to attract talent and major employers, and the continued confidence in Manchester as a place to invest all contribute to that sense of momentum.

As a commercial property lawyer, I probably notice the changing skyline and buildings more than most. What I find particularly interesting now is not just the amount of development taking place, but how expectations of property are changing. Businesses want high quality, sustainable spaces that work for their people, while we are also seeing existing buildings being refurbished and reinvented for a new generation of occupiers.

For me, the challenge and opportunity is making sure Manchester continues to grow without losing what makes it Manchester. It has a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit, strong communities and a real sense of identity. I’m excited to see what the next chapter looks like.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester

The Refuge at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a firm favourite. I’ve attended the Manchester Legal Awards there for the past two years, celebrating Myerson’s nominations and successes with colleagues, so it holds some very happy memories for me.

As a commercial property lawyer, I also love the building itself. Originally built as the headquarters of the Refuge Assurance Company in the 1890s, it’s a fantastic example of one of Manchester’s landmark historic buildings having a completely different life today. I particularly love the original features and the Winter Garden.

It’s a fabulous setting for a large event, but equally good for a meeting or an informal catch-up. At the weekend, it’s also a great place to meet friends for a drink, particularly if I’m heading to the Palace Theatre or doing some shopping. For me, it captures a lot of what I love about Manchester: history, great architecture and a city that is constantly reinventing itself.

Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

I’m always keen to meet people across Manchester’s property community, particularly investors, developers, surveyors, landowners, lenders and businesses with commercial property interests.

As Head of ESG at Myerson, I also really enjoy connecting with businesses that are leading the way on sustainability and responsible business. There is so much we can learn from each other by sharing ideas and practical experiences about what is working, from reducing environmental impact to supporting our people and local communities.

Myerson is 100% employee-owned, so I’m particularly interested in meeting like-minded organisations that are doing things differently and putting their people at the heart of their business. More broadly, I always enjoy meeting people who share our belief that commercial success, a great workplace and a positive impact on the communities around us can go hand in hand.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0161 941 4000

Website: https://www.myerson.co.uk/about/meet-the-team/joanne-perritt

LinkedIn: Joanne Perritt