The speed with which Eddisons’ Peterborough agency converted an instruction to solicitors to an unconditional exchange in less than one morning is indicative of the heat of the region’s freehold industrial market this spring.

Julian Welch, Director, is claiming an office record, at least – if not a regional record for the agency – of just over 2.5 hrs from instructing solicitors on the freehold sale of a property at 8.35am to its unconditional exchange just before 11.15 am that same morning.

Eddisons was the sole agent on the workshop with offices property on a self-contained site in the established Eastern Industrial Area of Peterborough.

In 30 years of agency experience, Julian admits to not having secured a deal in such a short space of time and nobody else in the vastly experienced agency team in the Peterborough office claims to have matched that pace.

It is, he says, a sign of the times when it comes to the appetite for industrial freehold. And, Julian also adds that it was a Friday morning too.

For more knowledge on our property agency work, get in touch with our Peterborough office.

It was announced in March that our multi-discipline project proposal for Esteem Academy had been approved, meaning that works can begin to develop Fountains High School, based in Burton on Trent.

Our team, managed by Jack Cooper, worked alongside the Esteem MAT’s team, as well as Q+A Planning, and other third-party consultants, to ensure each proposed aspect of the scheme is achievable from a cost perspective, relevant to the staff and pupils, and sustainable – both in education and for the environment.

The concept design grew from simple drawings to 3D visuals, to the proposal being accepted within 13 weeks. The project will kick off in Summer 2023, and we as a business cannot wait to get started, initially installing a new sports hall with changing rooms and a multi-use games area (MUGA) pitch.

Last week, it was confirmed that we had received formal instruction to proceed to the detailed design stage, meaning we can work even more closely with Esteem MAT to achieve their organisations goals.

As this ambitious project progresses, revolutionising Fountains High School, our hope at Eddisons is that other Multi-Academy Trusts will be inspired to further their own goals through thorough planning and collaborative working.

Learn more about how our comprehensive offering can support your building and property goals by getting in touch.

Eddisons agents are reminding small landlords of their statutory obligation to have a current EPC certificate for every business property in their portfolio – regardless of whether the property is occupied or not.

And not only is the obligation to be in possession of a current EPC, but also the property must achieve an EPC certification grade of ‘E’ or above. It has been unlawful to market a property for lease below grade ‘E’ status since April 2018.

Eddisons’ reminder comes from a shared concern in the agency sector that many small-scale landlords may still be unaware that, since 01 April, it has been unlawful for every set of business premises not to have a ‘live’ EPC. And any landlord of any type of mainstream commercial property without a valid EPC risks prosecution.

Spreading awareness to small portfolio landlords

While there are exemptions, they are for very limited scenarios. And the onus is on the landlord to make the case within these parameters. Eddisons agents are addressing small private landlords in particular now because, unlike those with large portfolios, for whom being a property landlord is their sole or main business focus, the agents are sensing a lack of awareness among small portfolio or sole property landlords.

Gavin Hynes, Director, Eddisons in Peterborough, explains, “Landlords with, say, one or two properties – particularly if the properties are a business side line, or personal or family investment – are unlikely to be followers of property sector channels of chatter or subscribers to the property sector press where the 01 April EPC changes have been trailed and chewed over for years.

“As it’s only been unlawful to market any commercial premises for letting with an EPC of E or above since 2018, it may see some landlords labouring under the misapprehension that they are operating lawfully on the EPC front if, for instance, they have had tenant on a 15-year lease that began in 2012.

“A certificate from 2012 is not a current certificate – even though it was all that was required at the time.

“An empty property also requires EPC certification too unless exempt.

“With further changes to commercial property and EPC regulations anticipated by the sector in 2025, 2027 and 2030 as current government policy stands, we are urging small landlords to act now to protect their current position and to ‘future-proof’ the energy performance of their property in discussing upgrades to the fabric of the building.”

To discuss EPC obligations and energy performance certification, landlords should contact their local Eddisons office.

Eddisons is the most active commercial property agent operating in Cambridgeshire, according to deals competition results just published last week by property research platform EG radius.

Eddisons, which has offices in Peterborough Huntingdon and Cambridge, topped the deals leader board for Cambridgeshire, with 224 transactions completed last year.

The agents were also ranked second in the East of England region, where it has a Bury St Edmunds office serving Suffolk & the surrounding satellite area, for the volume of both office and industrial space its agency team transacted – over 156,200 sq ft of offices, and 760,500 sq ft of industrial space.

Eddisons also saw off the competition in the ‘most active agents’ category of the awards.

Directors Richard Jones and Julian Welch scooped first and second place, respectively, in the ranking of most prolific dealmakers, with 59 and 57 deals done in 2022.

Colleague, & surveyor, Matthew Hunt secured fourth place in the rankings, with 38 transactions. The firm also scored highly across the East of England region, ranking as Suffolk’s third most active firm with 30 transactions by its Bury St Edmunds office, in particular, and also Lincolnshire’s fourth most active.

The annual EG radius competition is open to all commercial agents completing the region’s property transactions. It’s assessed on the volume of deals done for lettings and sales.

Commenting on the agency’s record of sustained success in this deals done competition, Eddisons partner and head of agency Steve Hawkins, said: “We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our client.

“I’m so proud of the team that this approach is paying off. Clients know that when they appoint Eddisons they get the quality of service and professionalism of a national firm but with the expert local knowledge gained from years of experience on the ground.

“It’s really gratifying to see that the hard work of all the team is gaining recognition.We are geared to gain even more momentum as 2023 progresses.”

Eddisons employs over 360 people across 25 UK offices. In 2022 it acquired commercial property firm Budworth Hardcastle with its offices in Peterborough, Kettering and Northampton. This month, Eddisons has announced the acquisition of Sheffield property firm and auction specialist Mark Jenkinson & Son.

As the property industry shakes off its male-dominated image, Eddisons is constantly working to increase diversity among our workforce and strives to encourage more women to join our team.

Head of our marketing team, Beth Hailey, sat down with two of our female employees to talk about life at Eddisons and ask them their view on the progress made by the industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left: Megan Roe, Senior Surveyor

Right: Catherine Chapman, Placement Surveyor

1. Why did you want a career in Property?

Megan: I’ve always had an interest in property from a young age. Growing up with both parents in the property industry I had a close insight in to the day to day dealings of the profession. The diverse nature of the job with no day being the same particularly appealed to me. I always knew I wouldn’t suit a career that required me to sit behind a desk full time – property offered me the balance of being on site, networking with clients/other professionals and an office environment.

Catherine: The property industry is constantly growing and evolving. I wanted a career in this industry because there is always innovation from inspiring individuals, and I am intrigued to see the opportunities that arise from this.

2. What attracted you to Eddisons as a business?

M: The range of experience the firm can provide – I have been given opportunities in all departments I have showed an interest in enabling me to make an informed decision of the area I wanted to pursue my career in.

C: Eddisons is persistently expanding and having acquired numerous other firms, the company clearly prides itself on its variation and innovation. Eddisons’ ability to adapt to increase productivity is inspiring and their ambition to diversify their employees stands out to me.

3. How would you describe your work-life balance?

M: Good. As with any job the workload can be extensive and I have definitely had some late nights sat at my desk! However Eddisons frequently organise networking events which has enabled me to develop better working relationships. I’ve started to master the balance of late night working and seeing friends/family through the week.

C: The company has allowed me to have a high-quality work-life balance due to the flexibility regarding working from home. This will be an important aspect of work for women going forward as it will enable them to maintain and progress their careers and manage childcare etc.

4. Do you feel the Industry actively promotes diversity and equality?

M: Not entirely. There has been evident progression over the past few years albeit there is still a clear stereotype in the industry.

C: Yes, there are several aspects (League of Ladies, Women in Property etc) that promote equality however I still think more awareness could be made about different roles within the property industry to inspire women of younger ages.

5. Within the property industry, do you think there are enough women at senior / board level positions?

M: From my experience of the industry I would say no albeit I do believe that this is something that is down to merit regardless of gender. More could be done at the bottom line to introduce women to the industry and subsequently assist them with equal opportunity and career progression.

C:  No, I think more women should be encouraged to progress their career and carry out their APC.

6. What are you most proud of?

M: Passing the APC. The process is lengthy and extremely hard work. Getting your chartership at the end of the two years structured training makes it all worthwhile.

7. What has been your biggest challenge within your role?

C: My biggest challenge has been learning and adapting to new tasks, especially since I have moved into a different team. Individuals within the firm helped this process run smoothly by creating a comfortable environment in which I can ask for help and work through things clearly and methodically.

8. What piece of advice would you give to a young woman just starting out in your profession?

M: Believe in yourself and strive to be the hardest worker in the room. The profession is largely built on relationships so I would advise attending as many events as you can and developing relationships as soon as possible. Property is undoubtedly a male dominated industry but this shouldn’t hold you back. Hard work always pays off in the end!

C: I try to push myself to take on as many opportunities as possible and attend plenty of networking events and I would encourage other young women to do so also.

Further growth for Eddisons in South Yorkshire with auction acquisition

Property consultancy Eddisons has strengthened its presence in South Yorkshire with the acquisition of long-established Sheffield firm of surveyors and auctioneers, Mark Jenkinson & Son.

The deal will see the further expansion of Eddisons’ Sheffield office, which was launched in 2021 and bolstered by the acquisition of Fernie Greaves later that year. The addition of Mark Jenkinson & Son, which has been in business in Sheffield for over 125 years, strengthens the Eddisons auction team, currently trading as Pugh & Co. Both firms are due to be integrated under the Eddisons branding.

Eddisons managing partner Anthony Spencer said: “The acquisition of the Mark Jenkinson & Son business will enhance our existing property auction team and grow our successful team in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. I am very pleased to welcome the team to Eddisons.”

Pugh director Paul Thompson said: “It’s great news that Mark Jenkinson is now part of Eddisons. By combining two highly respected auction houses we will be able to offer an unrivalled service to clients, with an excellent geographic spread and depth of professional expertise and experience.”

The deal follows a number of recent acquisition for Eddisons including South Coast-based Daniells Harrison and Midlands firm Budworth Hardcastle in the past year. The firm now employs over 350 staff across 25 offices, offering a full range of property services including agency, auction, valuation, property management, lease advisory and building consultancy.

Adrian Little, senior partner at Mark Jenkinson & Son, added: “We’re delighted to be joining Eddisons and to be working with Paul and the rest of Eddisons’ Sheffield colleagues, building on the successes and momentum that they have already achieved and continuing to drive the business forward in South Yorkshire.”