Else Solicitors: Why we are staging an event for the construction and commercial property sectors

OVER the last year both Else Solicitors’ construction & engineering and commercial property departments have recorded record sales figures.

To celebrate these successes we are now throwing a special event for existing and new clients across the high-end construction and commercial property sectors.

The Build Big Network is a prestigious business networking event for leading professionals from across these sectors.

With the commercial property industry contributing £42bn to the UK’s GDP and the construction industry generating £83bn, this event gives attendees a very real opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and win BIG projects.

We wanted to set-up an event that would be a platform for knowledge sharing and business referrals within this sector, so we came up with the idea of an exclusive event for decision makers.

Build Big takes place at Hotel du Vin in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District and begins with a champagne reception and speaker. It is followed by a three-course anglo-french meal.

As this is our inaugural event we wanted to do something special, but the event will still be informal, relaxing and fun as we believe that is the best way to network.

Else is known for its networking events. We run 24 of our Professional Network events in the Midlands every year, not to mention the charity bashes and sports functions we organise. Our Professional Network events generate a lot of business for the attendees and we wanted to develop this further by creating an event that is sector specific.

Despite our construction and commercial property departments having record year’s in terms of growth, we identified these sectors are difficult areas in which to win new clients. We decided that we wanted to bring the right people together and help them connect with one another.

Another reason to create Build Big was because of our staff. We are always looking to extend our networks and help them to bring in new business. We also want to add a few new members to our construction and commercial property teams and we felt this event would help us to attract the brightest in the field.

Given that Build Big is aimed at the high-end construction sector we wanted a venue with good architecture, ambience and theatre. We considered several incredible spaces across the city but we felt Hotel du Vin was the best for a number of reasons.

The building has a lot of history, it was founded in 1823 and formerly housed the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital. There is a bar, a restaurant, a heated central courtyard, and tonnes of original features including sweeping staircases and granite pillars.

We will be holding our drinks reception in the covered courtyard and moving to the magnificent Krug suite for the main meal.

It also is ideally located in Colmore Business District, which is in the heart of the city’s business community, has excellent rail and bus transport links, and is a ten-minute walk from our offices in the Jewellery Quarter.

When you deal in the construction and commercial property sectors, you are generally working with growing businesses with big ambitions. There is a lot of crossover in terms of the professionals that work within these industries and the projects that they work on.

We assist these types of businesses in everything from their business documents – such as terms and conditions (T&Cs), contracts, and work agreements – to HR and employment advice and resolving disputes.

We also have a number of professional partners, from banks, financial advisors, and accountants to architects and engineers, that can help our commercial property and construction clients.

In a nutshell these industries, which combined contribute 9% of the national GDP, are great for our business both through the direct work we do and through building relationships with the businesses that work alongside us.

It is an inspiring sector. When the public see new buildings, businesses growing, and investment in their area they feel proud and it is very rewarding to be part of that.

Our head of construction law and partner Andrew Hickman came to Else seven years ago after leaving the same role at nationally renowned solicitors Gateley, where he worked for more than 20 years.

Andrew is a specialist in the construction field, particularly at resolving claims, handling disputes, and drafting and advising on construction contracts.

Peter Fox, head of commercial property, joined us in 2009 after running his own commercial property law firm for 22 years. He has more than 35 years’ experience in this sector.

Peter is an expert when it comes to buying and selling premises and freeholds, negotiating commercial leases and handling planning agreement cases.

It is safe to say Else have extensive experience in this area. Our focus is completely about commercial property.

If you work as an architect, property developer, builder, property management company, or surveyor and would like to talk shop with other leaders in your industry over a few glasses of wine please contact me via oliver.buckle.co.uk or call 0800 999 3573 for tickets.