Influx of new business since merger

We have added two new members of staff on the first anniversary of our merger, which is already generating growth for the firm.

ehB Reeves was formed last summer after a merger between two long-established firms, ehB Commercial and Reeves and Partners.

Staff from the two companies are now based under the same roof in Clarendon Place, Leamington, and have two new faces among their number – agency surveyor, Sat Gill, and facilities manager, Adam Boxer.

Sat, from Solihull, joins ehB from SK Group, one of the largest franchisees of Domino’s in the country, and the master franchise holders of Tim Hortons for the UK and Ireland.

He managed the UK and Ireland store roll out programme for Tim Hortons and store builds from Belfast to Birmingham’s flagship store.

On the Domino’s side of the business, he managed new store builds, adding to a portfolio of 200-plus stores and the refurbishment programme of the group’s existing portfolio.

He said: “I have been involved in property development from a young age with my family, which has led to me developing a passion for all property-related matters.

“My aim with ehB is to expand my knowledge and progress through the company.”

Adam, from Wellesbourne, joins ehB from SAIC Motor, the Chinese company which owns the MG brand. He was responsible for the property management at MG’s famous Longbridge site.

He said: “I’ve always worked in facilities management and health and safety roles and I’ll be aiming to add a new and different dynamic as part of a great team here at ehB Reeves.

“I plan to develop this role further and assist in the already excellent work of the company, ensuring its steady, continued growth while furthering my personal ambitions.”

Simon Hain, director of ehB Reeves, said: “It has been an extremely exciting year for us all and we are delighted with the success the merger has brought. What has been achieved is a testimony to the commitment and teamwork of all our staff.

“It was always our stated aim to grow after the merger, so we are delighted to have brought in Sat and Adam, who both have more than a decade’s experience in their fields and are important additions to our team.

“This is an exciting and a challenging time to be in the commercial property business and we are very much looking forward to the future and the new opportunities presented to us.”

Sat and Adam’s appointment follows the recent addition of commercial property consultant, Rob Hawkins, in July.

Rob has worked in the commercial property sector for more than 25 years, in a range of roles including agency work, acquisitions, property disposals, property management and consultancy.

ehB’s generosity boosts hospice

A Warwick charity has received a welcome boost to its coffers from a series of fundraising events by a Leamington-based commercial property firm.

The Myton Hospice, which helps people suffering from incurable illnesses, has received £6,500 in donations from property consultants ehB Reeves, in Clarendon Place.

Kind-hearted staff at ehB organised a golf day, took part in an ‘It’s a Knockout’ fun day and even climbed Mount Snowdon dressed at Santas to help raise funds for the hospice, which is situated in The Grange, Warwick.

The money has been raised over the last 18 months, after ehB chose to mark its 10^th year in business by supporting Myton as its nominated charity.

Simon Hain, ehB Reeves director, saluted his fabulous fundraisers, saying: “We are delighted to support the amazing work Myton Hospice does in this area.

“All the fun we’ve had at the golf day, fun days and climbing Snowdon was made extra special because it was all in aid of such a worthwhile cause.”

Chris Wilmot, corporate fundraiser for Myton Hospice, said: “We are incredibly thankful to ehB for their continuing support.

“It was great to see them enter a team at our It’s a Knockout event in June as part of their ongoing fundraising.

“The support of businesses is vital in enabling us to raise the £9.2million we need this year to continue providing our services free of charge.”

Units close to full at £3 million Southam development

All units offered for sale at a new £3 million commercial property development in Southam have been snapped up, as work continues apace to complete the scheme.

Ten units at the 13-plot Maricott Court development, adjacent to Holywell Business Park, are now sold or under offer, with discussions ongoing with prospective tenants for the final three rental properties.

Phase one of the build, comprising the first two units, was completed in June, while units three to 10 are due for completion late summer.

The final three units are scheduled to be completed by early 2020.

Commercial property specialists ehB Reeves, based in Leamington Spa, has been marketing the units for lease and sale freehold. They range in size from 1,873 sq. ft. to 6,268 sq. ft.

Simon Hain, director at ehB Reeves, said: “We’ve had a real mix of owner/occupier and buy-to-let investor interest in the site, so we’re confident of seeing an equally diverse mix of businesses setting up in these units.

“We’ve said all along that the interest in this site is indicative of the demand for high-quality commercial properties, regardless of the fears over the potential impact of Brexit.

“The construction of the first two units is complete and we’re expecting units three to 10 to be finished before the end of the summer.

“This has been a very successful and sought-after scheme since its inception.”

The Maricott Court development is the final phase of the Holywell/Northfield Road site, which is already home to businesses including Tesco, HAB International and DYWIDAG-Systems International.

For more information on Maricott Court, visit www.maricottcourt.co.uk or contact ehB Reeves.

Rob Hawkins joins team at ehB Reeves

We have added a new member to the ehB Reeves team, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

Rob Hawkins has been formally appointed by ehB Reeves, having previously worked for the firm on a consultancy basis.

Rob has been working in the commercial property sector in a range of roles including agency work, acquisitions, property disposals, property management and consultancy.

He joins ehB Reeves as part of its ongoing ambitions to grow its business reach, expanding the agency sector and the management portfolio, which is currently valued in excess of £100 million.

“Having worked with the team before, we know each other very well. I’ve been working with them on a consultancy basis for the last six months and joining formally is all about developing that role,” said Rob.

“I have worked across the board in the commercial property sector – everything from agency and acquisition work to property management and consultancy – so I am bringing a wide range of experience to the table.

“I’m very much looking forward to this new role with the business as it looks to grow even further.”

Rob said the market in Warwickshire was still buoyant, despite the ongoing uncertainty over the potential impact of Brexit.

He said: “The market does dictate what we do and, in this moment, it is still very positive. Lots of deals are happening and I am sure there will be even better times ahead. It is a good time to grow an agency.

“Despite the uncertainty over Brexit, there is definitely still an appetite for good quality commercial property in the area.

“It is all connected to how much confidence people have in the market. Occupiers still need business premises, so there is still plenty of activity.”

Simon Hain, director at ehB Reeves, said: “We have ambitious plans to grow the agency and appointing Rob, with his many years of varied and valuable experience, is a step forward for that ambition.

“Rob has a proven track record in all areas of commercial property and we are sure this new arrangement will prove to be extremely beneficial for both parties.”

ehB Reeves was born from a merger between ehB Commercial and Reeves and Partners in July 2018.

Stunning Grade II Listed George House in Henley-in-Arden comes to market

George House, a stunning Grade II Listed building, nestled in the heart of historic Warwickshire village Henley-in-Arden, has come onto the market for sale.

We are marketing the sale of the striking building, on Henley High Street, which consists of two occupied retail units at ground floor level and five apartments at ground and upper floor level – all of which have been sold, subject to ground leases.

Part of the attractive building dates back to the 17^th Century and was formerly the old George and Dragon Inn.

This part of the building, which overlooks High Street, has an impressive timber façade with a balcony to the first floor, overlooking an imposing solid oak doorway.

Jonathan Blood, senior surveyor at ehB, said: “This is a great opportunity to own a truly impressive Grade II listed building which boasts a stunning timber façade.

“Henley-in-Arden is an attractive, historic market town with a good range of shopping and leisure services which makes it a hugely desirable location, with George House situated in High Street, in the very heart of it.

“Both retail units are full and the apartments are sold, so the current annual income from the property totals £24,000 per year.”

The retail units are let to The Bridal Boutique and JSK Boutique ladies clothes shop, subject to two occupational leases.

For more information on George House, which is on the market for offers in the region of £300,000, visit https://ehbreeves.com/properties/view/george-house-121-high-street/.

Stunning Edwardian building will make impressive business base

An outstanding landmarked Edwardian Manor House in Leamington has come onto the rental market.

Gables House, located on Kenilworth Road, features an impressive 10,104 sq ft of office space and is set in 1.8 acres of mature woodland and landscaped gardens.

An elegant residence built at the turn of the century, Gables House provides a mixture of offices and large meeting rooms, many of which retain period features, and are centred around an impressive galleried reception area.

There is also parking for up to 76 vehicles in woodland within the grounds of the property.

The quoted rent for Gables House is £160,000 a year and negotiations are being handled by leading Leamington-based commercial property consultants, ehB Reeves.

Simon Hain, director of ehB Reeves, said: “This is a stunning Edwardian building which has undergone comprehensive refurbishment.

“It retains many period features, combined with modern, well-equipped offices, in a beautiful setting.

“Gables House provides a unique base for any firm which is looking for comfort, ample parking, good transport links and a real wow factor.

“We don’t think it will be long before this fantastic building is snapped up by a forward-thinking firm wanting to make an impression.”

ehB Reeves was formed by last year’s merger between Leamington-based companies ehB Commercial and Reeves and Partners. The new firm enjoys a growing management portfolio in excess of £100 million.

For more details, visit https://ehbreeves.com/properties/view/gables-house-kenilworth-road

Three new businesses breathe new life into historic Leamington building

The pulse has returned to a prominent building in the heart of Leamington town centre which had lay dormant for nearly two years, with the arrival of three new business tenants.

Advertising agency Adgen, international hotel developer and operator Castlebridge, and leisurewear distributor Tri Distribution have all taken leases and moved into 2 and 3 Chapel Court, in Holly Walk.

Adgen and Castlebridge have taken over three suites at the site, formerly home to accountants Burgis and Bullock, while Tri Distribution has taken the ground floor suite.

The owner of the building has invested £50,000 to convert the property for multiple occupancy and it was let jointly by Leamington-based commercial property agents ehB Reeves and Wareing and Company.

Simon Hain, ehB Reeves director, said: “This is a prime town centre location which has been brought back into use, which is of course good for business and good for the local economy.

“It’s a further sign of the resilience of the commercial property market in the town at a time when the struggles of the high street have been well documented.

“We’re delighted the full 6,300 sq. ft. available in the building is now let again and we are retained on the management.”

Aliya Harris, project coordinator at Castlebridge, said: “We were originally based in Coventry but my colleague spotted this property and immediately fell in love with it. And the area it is situated in is just great.

“The looks on people’s faces when they see we are based in this beautiful old renovated chapel is superb.

“The move went really smoothly as all the companies we dealt with were fantastic. It could have been difficult because of everything involved but it went brilliantly and we couldn’t be happier in our new location.”

New industrial units snapped up at £3m Southam development

Nearly all the industrial and warehouse units offered for sale and let at the new £3 million Maricott Court development in Southam have already been snapped up.

The development, adjacent to Holywell Business Park, in Southam is already proving popular with businesses as nine units are under offer at the site, with only one remaining for sale and three for let.

The 13 properties range in size from 1,873 sq. ft. to 6,268 sq. ft.

Jon Blood, senior surveyor at ehB Reeves, which is marketing the units for lease and sale freehold, said: “The huge interest being shown is truly indicative of how much demand there is for high quality commercial property. And that interest is not letting up.

“Industry is thriving in our region, despite the fears that exist over Brexit and what is going to happen next.

“Business owners in Warwickshire know the right thing to do is to invest in their future as this is the only way they will succeed.

“We are delighted, but not surprised, to see how popular this development is proving.”

The Maricott Court development is the final phase of the site, which is already home to businesses including Tesco, Find Me A Gift and The Tool Connection.

The development is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

For more information on Maricott Court, visit www.maricottcourt.co.uk.

ehB’s help at 11th hour saves Guinness World Record attempt

A Leamington firm of surveyors stepped in at the 11^th hour to save a Guinness World Record attempt held to support a charity helping homeless and vulnerable people in the town.

The effort to create the world’s largest blanket fort was held at Warwick University last summer, in aid of the LWS Night Shelter, which is based at Leamington Priors Club.

The blanket fort team feared they would have to abandon their attempts to get the 432.16 sq. m creation recognised as a world record, as they needed a chartered surveyor to certify it and were let down at the last minute.

Luckily, this news made it to Scott Blake, director and chartered surveyor at ehB Reeves, based in Clarendon Place, Leamington Spa, who offered to independently verify the floor area of the fort.

The new world record was confirmed by Guinness in December, meaning the existing record of 306.9 sq. m has been beaten.

“The organisers needed someone to help out at the last minute and I was more than happy to step in and do my bit,” said Scott.

“The LWS Shelter does a fantastic job of proving food, shelter and company to homeless and vulnerable people so was a very worthy cause to support.”

In a letter to Scott, Emma Clifford, project leader at Blanket Fort, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to you for being the independent surveyor for our Guinness World Record attempt.

“Without you stepping in at the last minute, we would have had to abandon trying to get officially recognised as a World Record.”

Richard Pomfret retires from commercial property sector after four decades

A decade after the financial crash, the commercial property market’s recovery is once again under threat in the light of the uncertainty over Brexit, according to one of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most experienced practitioners.

Following the merger to create ehB Reeves, Richard Pomfret, former Managing Director of Reeves and Partners, who is retiring at Christmas after 40 years in the profession, said the Coventry and Warwickshire property market had recovered well, aided by the growth of the automotive sector and the reputation of Leamington as a nucleus for the games industry.

But, he warned, there is still a shortage of both office and industrial space within the small to medium range which could further hamper growth, if not addressed.

Too much emphasis has been placed on the release of green belt land for residential development and the conversion of older buildings to apartments, to the detriment of new build opportunities to meet strong commercial demand.

Brexit uncertainty

“Despite the Bank of England pumping billions into the economy through Quantitative Easing 10 years ago, this money primarily refinanced the banks who were then reluctant to lend to SMEs,” said Richard.

“As a consequence, there has been a paucity of development to meet demand.  Commercial property is in short supply at a time when the Coventry and Warwickshire markets were recovering well with businesses like Jaguar Land Rover.

“However, Brexit is now undoubtedly undermining confidence with the risk of a period of stagnation, whilst we wait and see how the economy reacts,” added Richard.

Retirement plans

Qualifying in 1975, Richard was a partner of Locke & England when the business was sold to Lloyds Bank in 1987 and subsequently became a director of Innes England when he ran the Coventry office.

Now based at the ehB Reeves offices in Euston Place, Leamington Spa, Richard has most recently headed up the firm’s agency, valuation and professional section, whilst acting for both regional and national charities.

A former rally co-driver, he has competed in a number of RAC Rallies, latterly racing a Porsche 911 within the British Historic Rally Championship where he was a champion co-driver.

With no work plans beyond his retirement, Richard hopes to improve his tennis and golf handicaps.  Having just returned from a touring holiday in Australia and Tasmania, he is also hoping to do more travel and walking within the UK.