DTZ’s European chief executive today outlined the firm’s European strategy following its acquisition by UGL last December.

Forrester said the firm wanted to expand in continental Europe, particularly in shopping centre investment, and also providing property and outsourcing services to global corporate clients. He also reiterated a commitment to the UK regions.

He said that the scale which the integration with UGL provided was key to achieving this.

“We are looking to hire senior professionals in all of our top 15 offices across Europe, and while we’re strong in shopping centre management, we want to increase our capability in investment advisory,” he said.

“We are also looking to grow in that market of advising global corporate occupiers and clients on their property activities. In that sense, what being part of UGL is scale, in terms of the systems and technology you need to be properly in that business.”

He added that while DTZ now had a truly global scope, and wanted to become a major player in global capital cities, it would not be abandoning the UK’s regions.

“We’ve already cut down from 24 to 14 offices during the downturn, but that wont be going any further,” he said.

MIPIM news, interviews, data and more at the Property Week MIPIM microsite