Property industry should work together to weather the storm

17/12/2008

Property industry should work together to weather the storm

Garness Jones has reported a successful 2008 and believes that good business will continue to be possible during the credit crunch.

Dave Garness was speaking at his company’s third annual Christmas event at Ferens Art Gallery, Hull.

He told an audience of more than 250 property industry professionals and clients that despite current difficulties, trade was still occurring and with hard work results would still be achieved.

“Working together and supporting each other is the key to doing business at the moment. The risk is that people talk about doing business but then don’t have the confidence to move forward with their ideas,” said Mr Garness.

During 2008, Garness Jones has let 1.4m sq ft of industrial space, sold 85 per cent of development and investment residential instructions, sold or let half of its retail and leisure instructions and, during the second half of the year, sold or let 23 offices.

Mr Garness added: “Despite these healthy figures, a lot of hard work is still to be done with regards to remaining and new instructions.”

Considered one of the most popular property industry events in the area, guests included architects, surveyors, property agents, bankers, property developers and the two local authorities, as well as clients.

 Garness Jones, which is also sponsoring the gallery’s Walter Goodin exhibition, saw the event as an opportunity to enjoy some Christmas celebrations despite the economic downturn.