James Harrison-Topham
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
Chief Executive Officer
London, GB
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
THE MARQUE
In Their Own Right
Biography
James Harrison-Topham is the CEO and a Founding Shareholder at South Street Capital, where he has played a key role in driving the business’s strategy and performance, whilst leading on all acquisitions, asset management initiatives and sales.
South Street Capital acts primarily for Family Offices and since 2014 has targeted the industrial and retail warehouse sectors achieving significant out performance to the industry benchmarks. The company is dedicated to optimising returns on commercial property portfolios through innovative asset management strategies that focus on enhancing both income and capital growth by repurposing underutilised properties.
Prior to co-founding South Street Capital, James was a Director at Franc Warwick Chartered Surveyors, a leading investment advisory practice, later acquired by CBRE, bolstering its investment and acquisition capabilities. James began his career in 1987 and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor at Drivers Jonas, a surveying firm that eventually merged with Deloitte to create Deloitte Real Estate. James also achieved FSA (Financial Services Authority) qualifications in 1994 enabling him to advise in M&A and debt advisory roles at Drivers Jonas Financial Services.
Additionally, James is an active member of the Investment Property Forum (IPF), an organisation committed to promoting thought leadership and professional excellence in the property investment sector. His involvement reflects his dedication to enhancing standards within the real estate industry.
With a career that highlights his ability to blend technical property expertise with a strong emphasis on client and investment outcomes, James has established himself as a leading figure in the field.
Academically, James holds a degree in Estate Management from the University of Reading, one of the UK's premier institutions for real estate education.
The Record
Background
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2012 — Present
Chief Executive Officer
South Street Capital
South Street Capital is an independent investor and asset manager specialising in UK commercial real estate. The firm provides a wide array of services, including advisory, acquisition, development, asset management, and disposal.
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1994 — 2011
Director
Franc Warwick Chartered Surveyors | Now: CBRE
Franc Warwick Chartered Surveyors was a London-based real estate investment firm that specialised in capital market transactions as well as the sale and acquisition of shopping centres, hotels, and industrial properties. The firm was acquired by CBRE, in 2012.
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1987 — 1994
Drivers Jonas | Now: Deloitte Real Estate
Drivers Jonas, founded in 1725 in London by Samuel and Charles Driver, grew from a family of landowners to a renowned surveying and property management firm. Merging with Deloitte LLP in 2010, it was rebranded as Deloitte Real Estate in 2013.
Formative Years
Education
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University of Reading
BSc | Land Management
1984 — 1987
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Winchester College
1978 — 1983
Areas Of Focus