Managing Director Stephen Bleakley looks back at the successes of 2019 and welcomes the New Year and fresh opportunities.
It’s been a year of work and delivery for clients in the UK, Europe and deep overseas locations where we have had the privilege of working on a variety of business and property related issues.
Notable successes
- The cancellation of a significant lease issue in Dublin involving three parties
- A three-way transaction in Leicester securing a risk free relocation
- Planning permission for a 150,000sqft warehouse in Kegworth, Leicester
- Location analysis leading to the identification of a client’s expansion plans
USA and Canada
- Expansion of our global network in North America: Seattle, Philadelphia and New York
- Relocation project within Vancouver
- Expansion of our global network in Calgary
South America
- The final disposal of a client’s chemical facility in Argentina
- Working in partnership with BritCham, the official British Colombian chamber of commerce.
New appointments
- Jordan Crossley was promoted to Head of Research from his previous role as Analyst.
- Alice Renwick was warmly welcomed as a Director.
- Loic Bodin has joined SBM as a partner based in Paris.
- Dave King joined SBM as Head of Planning
- Lucila Blasco has joined SBM as a partner based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Digital strategy
- New company branding and website launched in July 2019 working alongside marketing agency, ICG.
- New client communications.
Overview
There’s been a notable increase in the depth and solidity of the SBM team in 2019 – our 20th year in business.
We have successfully identified opportunities for clients whilst steering them away from property traps.
In many key areas there has been a strengthening in our relationships and understandings with clients. There is much more interest from our wider network of consultants and associates in adopting SBM as their working platform.
SBM is grounded in the belief that by removing property related stress from clients we enable them to focus on their core business. If their property situation and requirements are harmonious — so is their business.
In other words it’s worthwhile. I am thankful to all those who have given SBM a chance — clients, team and our close partners.
Vision for 2020
There’s an increasing belief among even the most optimistic arm chair property enthusiasts that successful commercial leasing and property rationalisation is elusive.
Combined with a perceived acceleration in the economy, which is likely to heap more pressure on executives, this will enable property specialists such as SBM to continue to thrive.
I believe it will push companies to focus on what they do best and continue the trend and demand for specialisation — where we all do more of what we are good at and enjoy.
Thank you to all those who have placed their trust in SBM.
Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2020.
Stephen