Garness Jones has strengthened its dedicated commercial property management team by recruiting experienced specialist Laura Atton and promoting long-serving senior surveyor Zoe Clarvis to the role of director.
Managing director David Garness says the appointments reflect the continuing growth in managing commercial property portfolios, large business estates, office complexes and industrial parks across Yorkshire and The Humber.
Providing everything from strategic asset management to liaising with business tenants, managing service charges, leases and rents, as well as overseeing the day-to-day upkeep of facilities, the commercial management skills of Garness Jones are in increasing demand.
From longstanding contracts to manage sites such as the 124-acre Humber Gate ‘energy estuary’ site in Grimsby, the team has added shopping centres and parades, offices, and major ongoing industrial development sites to its workload over the past two years.
Mr Garness says commercial property management is now a significant part of the work carried out by Garness Jones, which is this year celebrating 30 years in business, and is an area he is confident will continue to grow into the future.
“This department has seen continued growth in recent years and it has become a really significant part of the work that we do now at Garness Jones, looking after business sites and property portfolios for owners and investors to ensure they are strategically managed,” said Mr Garness.
“It has almost become the norm for investors to instruct our team to manage facilities on their behalf when we have supported them through a purchase, and I think that says a great deal about the levels of service and expertise we offer. It is great to know people trust our expertise to deliver for them.
“We’re delighted to have recruited somebody with Laura’s experience to join our team, as she brings a wealth of knowledge in this area. Zoe’s promotion to director is hugely deserved also as she has been with us for eight years now and has played an influential role in developing this area of our work.”
With 14 years’ experience in managing properties and portfolios in both the public and private sector from her time with the NPS Group and more recently PPH Commercial, Laura Atton has joined in the role of senior surveyor.
Her main focus will be supporting landlords to ensure maximum returns from their property investments - handling everything from lease renewals and compliance to rent reviews and maintenance requirements.
However, she will also act as a main point of contact for tenants and contractors, and says building solid relationships with all is key to success.
‘A great opportunity’
“This is a great opportunity for me to build upon the experience I have as it is a more senior role in terms of overseeing the strategic management of properties,” she said.
“Hopefully I can add value from my experience of working in both the private and public sector during my career, as in that time, I’ve faced many challenges and scenarios which I am sure will help me in this role.
“At the end of the day, no matter what the size and scale of property, or whether it be in the public or private sector, it is about building good relationships and trust with landlords, tenants and contractors.
“I know it is going to be a challenging and demanding job given the growth of the commercial property management client base at Garness Jones, and it’s a job that you never finish, as there is always something which needs to be done, or planned.
“That busy nature of the job meant I had to hit the ground running when joining, learning quickly about the properties I am leading the management on initially, and over time I expect to become involved in taking on more responsibilities to support colleagues on other sites too.”
Strategic advice for commercial property landlords
Zoe Clarvis, who has 16 years’ experience in the property sector, said: “I’m thrilled to have been given greater responsibility to help progress this important area of the business.
“I’m proud that much of our work comes from reputation and recommendation, and it has been great to see how we have grown this area of the business in recent years by offering a complete service, from manging estates and facilities to offering strategic asset management to ensure owners achieve the best possible returns from their investments.
“Not only do we take away the hassle for investors and owners but we ensure all has been considered to maximise their opportunities and future proof their properties.”
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