New Nottingham property agency wants to take local brands national
Two Nottingham-based property agents have vowed that their new company will become “trend-spotters” and help put local companies on a national footing.
As we reported last month, Box Property, which has its head office in West Bridgford, has been established by Ben Tebbutt, the former head of retail at Nottingham agency FHP, and Frankie Labbate, who himself spent six years with the firm as associate director.
Tebbutt said: “Box Property is modern and fresh. We’re steering away from what some may perceive as the old-school image of surveying practices, while maintaining the high standards and professionalism our clients will expect from an experienced team.”
Tebbutt says Box Property is already working with a number of major landlords including the owners of the iconic Exchange Arcade in Nottingham, home to the likes of Karen Millen, Dr Martins, Jack Wolfskin and Radley. The firm is also advising a multitude of private investors and expanding local operators such as 200 Degrees Coffee, Cow Clothing, Bar Iberico, Ugly Bread Bakery and Bunker Mentality.
“Our target is to not have targets,” said Labbate. “We are open to working with all people from all backgrounds and our ethos is everyone has to start from zero. There are some really exciting local independents such as Bunk, Suede, Oscar and Rosies, Apalts, Ratchet and Tough Mary’s Bakehouse here in Nottingham.
“We feel with our guidance and market knowledge accompanied by their innovative offers these and many other operators could really grow and emulate the success we have built with brands such as 200 Degrees and Cow. With strategic insight, these local stars really could become national brands.”
The pair feel they are slightly different to their rivals, as Box Property is a nationally-focused agency operating from Nottingham, whereas others are more Midlands-focussed.
Tebbutt said: “The majority of our acquisition clients’ workload takes us all over the UK. However, we do value our Nottingham roots and we’re looking to deal with existing and new landlords from across the Midlands, with a strong focus on the city we know so well.”
Labbate added: “What we really are doing here is being proactive and essentially ‘trend-spotting’. We’re uncovering exciting and innovative businesses here in the Midlands and further afield that have the potential to really expand out of their home cities and into new territories. We are looking to break boundaries, be more accessible, more flexible and open in the way we work. We are focused on working with products and brands we believe in, that are on trend, forward-thinking, with a top quality offer and product.
“We won’t sell what we wouldn’t buy, and Box Property is all about quality not quantity. We want to work with the brands of the future and go on a journey with them.”
Tebbutt said: “If anyone wants to discuss opportunities, the region as a whole, or a strategy for a roll out or expansion of their brand, pop over to our West Bridgford office for a chat. We want to distance ourselves from the corporate stereotype people have of surveying firms, but without sacrificing professionalism and top quality service. You can have fun and be successful at the same time.
“Give us an opportunity and we will deliver. Change is good for the market.”
