Gerrard Matthews Chartered Surveyor, Dorset

Investment

From its establishment in 1993 Gerrard Matthews has acted for a variety of property companies and high net worth individuals in the acquisition and disposal of High Street retail investments. With such niche knowledge we can concentrate on a relatively small number of successful towns and therefore gain considerable background knowledge to the town's viability, rental evidence, retailer requirements, local agents etc.

Sales: Having gathered an enviable database of investors and agents specifically looking for or concentrating on retail properties we have an excellent track record of achieving 'above target' results when selling properties on behalf of clients. We also make use of the major websites to ensure maximum exposure when required.

Acquisitions: With such a knowledge of these quality towns the majority of acquisitions are 'off market' so ensuring investor purchasers buy exactly what they are looking for rather than competing in auctions or best bid situations.

We take pride in our advice, building up long-standing relationships with clients and continually welcome new investors.

Development

With the onset of the recession in 2008 and the massive affect of the internet it has been a question of adapt or die for a considerable majority of High Street shops. It is plainly obvious which shops suit modern retailers and those that don't as the latter are either empty or left floundering with temporary lettings. Without drastic action the shop will be left in a vicious downward circle sped up by empty rates and unsympathetic bank managers.

From 'hands on' knowledge of dealing with planners, conservation officers, architects, structural engineers builders, principal contractors etc etc we have over the past eight years used our personal knowledge to provide a development advisory service effectively acting as an 'umbrella' to our clients.

From our knowledge of what retailers require, the planning/listed building pitfalls, we have put together a superb team of architects/structural engineers/planning experts/CDM or Principal Contractors who work with us to design and build out the projects. We can provide consultancy or full on project management, depending on the property owner's level of involvement/knowledge in development.

We have also built up a list of building contractors local to the various areas who we provide a near continual 12 month stream of work and in return provide reliable and competitive service.

We work closely with the contractors during the entire period of works. This can be extremely testing particularly when the only access for a major project is through the front door of a listed building in a pedestrianised high street!

Agency

Gerrard Matthews only deals with High Street Shops in market towns throughout West Hampshire, South Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon & Cornwall.

In order to avoid any conflict of interest in these smaller towns we will only act for Landlords on the sale and letting of High Street shops, working closely with a host of retailers with recent lettings to Costa, Specsavers, Phase Eight, M&Co, Post Office, WH Smith, O2, William Hill, Joules, Saltrock, Boots, Cardfactory, to name but a few.

We use our extensive network of industry contacts, web exposure and other promotional tools with a view to securing a disposal of your property on the best possible terms and in a timely and efficient manner.

Asset Management

With a perfect storm combination of the recession, internet, excessive rates and parking charges the High Street faces enormous challenges. However with our 'niche knowledge' of High Street shops in this area they can thrive but only by actively managing them, more often than not by taking the brave decision to stand up to 'bully boy tactics' from some large retailers and not be afraid to redevelop the retail area. Rather than sitting back and letting the shops languish we have overseen significant increases in both rental and capital values to the shops by providing the space that the 'go ahead' modern retailers require and are prepared to pay for. Please see the development section for further information.

Professional

Gerrard Matthews offers a comprehensive service to Landlords requiring advice on rent reviews and lease renewals solely covering High Street Shops.

From the niche knowledge gained over 25 years concentrating on the High Street we have a considerable database of evidence obtained over this period to provide in depth knowledge and experience acting solely for Landlords

With quality market towns being the first to recover from the recession it has required considerable tenacity to achieve rental uplift at either review or renewal against reluctant multiple retailers.

Gerrard Matthews can offer:

• In depth market knowledge backed by an extensive database and agency participation
• Wide experience acting solely for Landlords
• Up to date knowledge of current case law and legislation
• Third Party experience
• Expertise in High Street redevelopment projects