Liverpool property agent goes it alone

A MERSEYSIDE property agent made redundant by GVA Grimley has set up on his own with developer Langtree’s commercial portfolio.

Roy Backhouse left property agent GVA Grimley’s Liverpool office on a Friday, having been made redundant, and by the Monday was reborn as managing director of Roy Backhouse and Co.

After just one week in business, he now handles Langtree’s industrial and office portfolio on Merseyside: Wellington Employment Park South industrial scheme, in the North Liverpool Docks area; Venture Point West industrial site, south east of the city; Alchemy Business Park in Knowsley; and Connect Business Village north of the city centre.

Mr Backhouse, who also has nine other clients on his books, had been at GVA for more than two years, as director of industrial property. The new company will cover industrial, office and some retail space across Merseyside.

Mr Backhouse said his redundancy was proof the market had slowed and he admitted that the market it now dictating more flexible terms.

“There is concern,” he said. “Deals have slowed down but deals do need to move and they are moving. You’ve just got to work harder for it.”

 “It’s a case of getting out there and continuing to do what I’ve done for the last 15 years in Liverpool.”

In his first year of business, Mr Backhouse says he conservatively aims to beat the salary he was on at GVA.

“If I can convert the stock I have on my books now within the first twelve months, I will have surpassed that,” he said.