Consultancy teams expands due to survey demand
A BUILDING consultancy team has expanded following the demand for acquisition surveys.
The team at GVA Grimley, in Birmingham, is now 16 strong, a record for the property consultancy and it has also seen an increase in profitability to its highest level for many years, according to the company.
Acquisition surveys are being carried out by the team for individual commercial buildings and portfolios with lot sizes ranging from £2m to £50m.
GVA Grimley reports that institutional fund managers, charities, private individuals and also property developers are amongst those commissioning detailed reports prior to proceeding with a commercial property acquisition.
Director within the building consultancy team David Martin said: “The significant rise in demand for strategic acquisition surveys is a very strong indicator that the commercial property market is recovering convincingly and investors are keen to have an active presence in the market.
“Acquisition surveys provide analysis on the structure and fabric of a building or portfolio of buildings, providing due diligence advice and giving indications of costs against any required work.
“It is crucial that our clients are fully aware of their property liabilities before proceeding with an investment.
“Whilst the property consultancy sector has been through the painful effects of last year’s recession, the increase in client instructions has enabled us to grow by 30% over the past year and two additional building surveyors have joined the team in the past month.”
James Hands and Richard Cobb, both 25, have joined from DBK Group and Davis Langdon respectively.
Having spent four years at DBK Group’s Birmingham office, Mr Hands specialises in contract administration, building surveys and dilapidations advice.
Mr Cobb joined from Davis Langdon’s Birmingham office, having been there since September 2007.
He undertakes building surveying duties such design and specification, inspections and professional advice and his experience includes hotels and budget accommodation, retail, industrial and higher education.
Picture from left: Richard Cobb, David Martin and James Hands of GVA Grimley.
