Running a property consultancy or Chartered Surveying firm as an SME comes with unique challenges. You’re balancing technical expertise with commercial strategy, managing client relationships while staying profitable, and navigating a sector that’s constantly shifting due to economic cycles, regulatory changes, and evolving client demands.

If you’re building or scaling your own SME in this field, here are 15 key lessons to help you avoid pitfalls and maximise success.

 

1. Cash Flow is King – Manage It Relentlessly

In professional services, revenue often lags behind work completed. Clients may delay payments, disputes can arise, and large invoices don’t always mean immediate cash in the bank. To safeguard your business:

• Set clear payment terms upfront (consider staged payments for larger projects).
• Don’t be afraid to chase overdue invoices late payments can cripple an SME.
• Build a cash reserve to weather slow months.
• Avoid over-reliance on one or two major clients; if they delay, it could put your entire business at risk.

 

2.Hire Slow, Fire Fast Technical Skills Aren’t Enough

In surveying and property consultancy, technical expertise is vital but it’s not everything.  A surveyor who lacks commercial awareness, client management skills, or attention to deadlines can cause serious problems.

• Take time to hire the right people. A bad hire can be far more expensive than waiting for the right one.
• If someone isn’t a fit, act quickly. Holding onto underperformers drains morale and damages client relationships.

 

3. Clients Value Relationships Over Price

If you’re constantly competing on price, you’re in a race to the bottom. Clients who choose you purely because you’re the cheapest will leave the moment they find a lower fee elsewhere. Instead:

• Position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a service provider.
• Focus on delivering exceptional service and insights that add real value.
• Build long-term relationships repeat clients are the foundation of a stable business.

 

4. Diversification Protects Against Market Downturns

The property sector is cyclical. If your business only offers one core service, you’re vulnerable to market shifts. For example:

If commercial leasing slows, refurbishment projects may increase.

• ESG and sustainability services are growing as regulations tighten.
• Measurement, project management, and development monitoring can provide alternative revenue streams.
• Expanding your services strategically ensures that when one area dips, another can sustain your business.

 

5. Economic Shocks Will Happen – Build Resilience

Whether its Brexit, Covid, or a property market crash, external factors will test your business. You cant predict the future, but you can prepare for uncertainty:

• Keep overheads lean dont overcommit to long-term costs you cant adjust.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and industry contacts so you hear about opportunities early.
• Be flexible firms that adapted quickly during Covid (e.g., by embracing remote work or shifting focus) survived better than those that resisted change.

 

6. Office Location and Image Matter

If you’re working in commercial property, your office isn’t just a place to work it’s part of your brand. Clients take you more seriously when you’re in a central, professional environment rather than a backstreet office. However:

• Don’t overspend”your office needs to fit your business model, not just your ego.
• Consider co-working spaces in prime locations if leasing your own office is too costly.
• Your address and workspace can influence client perception and networking opportunities.

 

7. Work-Life Balance is a Challenge, But You Can Manage It

Surveying and property consultancy is deadline-driven, and clients often expect fast responses. If you’re not careful, the business can consume your life. To avoid burnout:

• Set boundaries with clients”urgent doesn’t mean immediate.
• Build a team you trust, so everything doesn’t rely on you.
• Take time off when you need it burnout leads to bad decisions and lower performance.

 

8. A Strong Core Team is Your Greatest Asset

In large firms, clients expect to deal with different departments. In an SME, they expect continuity. Your team is critical to your firm reputation and client retention.

• Invest in training and career development good people will stay if they see growth.
• Recognise that salary isn’t everything culture, flexibility, and professional challenges matter too.
• A high turnover of staff will damage relationships with clients and slow your business growth.

9. Systems and Processes Save Time and Money

In surveying and property consultancy, wasted time means lost revenue. Every hour spent on inefficient admin is an hour not billed to a client.

• Implement project management tools to track progress.
• Standardize reports and templates to reduce rework.
• Automate invoicing and follow-ups where possible.
• Efficient processes mean fewer mistakes, happier clients, and better margins.

 

10. Your Reputation is Everything

Property is a relationship-driven industry, and bad news travels fast. One poorly handled project, one broken promise, or one bad client experience can have long-term consequences.

• Always deliver what you promise.
• Be upfront about challenges hiding bad news only makes it worse later.
• If you make a mistake, own it and fix it.
• Your reputation will outlast any marketing campaign.

 

11. Networking Opens Doors You Wont Find Online

Many of the best projects never go to tender. They’re awarded through relationships.

Attend industry events, even if they don’t immediately generate work.

Join professional groups and engage in discussions.

Keep in touch with past clients they may not need you now, but they might in six months.

12. Be Open to New Markets and Opportunities

The property industry is evolving. Whether it’s sustainability, PropTech, or international expansion, staying relevant means keeping an eye on emerging trends.

• Expanding to Dubai (or other international markets) can open doors to new clients and revenue streams.
• ESG and net-zero targets are creating new demand for property-related advisory services.
• Clients want consultants who understand technology and data embracing digital tools will keep you competitive.

 

13. Marketing and Thought Leadership Take Time but Pay Off

Many SME consultancies rely purely on word-of-mouth, but this limits growth.

• Regular LinkedIn updates, articles, and insights position you as an expert.
• Speaking at industry events builds credibility.
• A consistent marketing presence ensures you stay top-of-mind when clients need your services.

 

14. Not Every Client is Worth It

Bad clients aren’t just frustrating they can hurt your business. Warning signs include:

• Constantly pushing for lower fees.
• Late or unreliable payments.
• Unrealistic expectations that lead to scope creep.
• Learn to say no to bad clients, so you can focus on the ones that add long-term value.

 

15. Enjoy the Journey – It’s More Than Just a Business

Running an SME isn’t just about revenue it’s about building something meaningful.

• Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come.
• Celebrate wins, no matter how small.
• Keep evolving 15 years ago, your business looked different, and 15 years from now, it will too.

Success in property consultancy isn’t just about financial results – it’s about reputation, relationships, and resilience. Stay adaptable, invest in the right people, and keep your business moving forward.

What’s your biggest challenge right now in growing or managing your SME?

 

I’m always free for a chat do get in touch for a coffee. JASON ANTILL BSc (Hons) MRICS Managing Director

 

 

Not bad with reported UK commercial property take up being slow in 2024, still high interest rates & inflation, supply of suitable space remaining limited, close to recession and week GDP growth with economic downturn, not forgetting transport and trade union strikes…. HERE’S HOW

1. Quick recap: although we were slightly lower on our revenue we increased our profit from last year! We did over 200 surveys of more than 8 million sq ft from a mixture of commercial sectors although largely % industrial. Pretty good, when commercial property transactions are down with secondary locations and assets suffering…tenants rising bias to prime?!

 

2. We were laser-focused on our target clients! PropCos, Asset Managers and collaborating with other consultants where best suited (also don’t forget it goes both ways), however not discounting the larger institutions. We made sure and reinforced clients about being multi-disciplinary able to include not only offering Measured & Sustainability but also Building and Project Management!  Which gave clients a one stop shop. We had the pleasure of working with the likes of some great clients, you all know who you are, big high five and thank you!

 

3. We eliminated nonessential processes! but kept high quality output and service to clients.  Getting feedback from clients and the PRE team highlighted how we could be better and more efficiently.  Moving the head offices from South London to Central London Soho, we can be closer to projects and clients.  Transport links around outer London, M25 and the southeast.

 

4. Do a great job! Each project has its challenges. Being able to do more than one service line for the same project saves the client on cost and time.​ 80% of our clients are repeat customers or come through word of mouth as recommendations.

 

5. We built our own tech from scratch! We sat down with a tech company who helped build surveying software tools to drive huge efficiencies across PRE surveyors workflow…. meaning our survey team save 20-30% on projects as before and leverage it to scale up.  We built an APP too!

 

6. The PRE Team! Are our bricks and mortar to the company and clients.  A good culture is always important to us.  Trying to get the right balance isn’t easy.  Although from the start we have always embraced flexible working hours and remote working, in 2024 made a decision to move to a better location, nicer offices with breakout areas decent coffee machine, being together as a team has made a huge difference.

 

7. Conduct extensive training.  Having taken on apprentices who spend one day a week on their course, this brings in new ideas and relevant CPD for the company to also learn. We’re hiring for a few new roles. Do contact us and perhaps catch a coffee in Soho.

 

8. Our outlook and plans for 2025.  This year we are excited to be celebrating 15 successful years in business having founded the company in 2009 producing commercial EPC’s we now have 24 services.  Watch this space for celebrations…..We plan to expand cross sell all service lines to help existing and new clients,  Measured, Building, Project & Sustainability however still keep our core values, competitively priced, offering a high end delivery with repeat business relationships.

 

9. Sponsorship and Charity. We continued to sponsor and attend networking events. These include being one of the main sponsors of PropSail in its 6^th successful year.  Our 10 year of involvement in Oxford Brookes Real Estate Society (OBREMS) mentoring scheme for 2^nd year students with c.500 students having benefited.  Being part of The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and help chair The Livery Lite for the next generation of property professionals.  Charities include Story of Christmas, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and James’ Place to name a few.  Do take a look at their websites.

 

9. What’s the Future for UK Commercial Property. Being at the coalface and UK nationwide, we found in 2024 the months very unpredictable.  Several UK property consultant research teams are showing 2024 investment volumes by sector at their lowest.  Rachel Reeves has confirmed that the spring Statement will take place on 26 March 2025.  What affect will this be for the property profession and in store for all of us in Q2?

However we are optimistic and believe that this is now the year for opportunities and growth.

Please do get in touch for a catch up or coffee.

JASON ANTILL MRICS
Founder & Managing Director

 

Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a crucial goal in combating climate change, and the real estate sector has a significant role to play. The property industry accounts for approximately 38% of energy consumption and 29% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU.

With strengthened regulations and shifting market expectations, the push for energy efficiency and decarbonisation has never been more critical.

But what does it all mean in practice? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know, and how PRE Chartered Surveyors can help you navigate the requirements step by step.

What is Net Zero Carbon?

 According to the UK Green Building Council, a net zero carbon building is highly energy-efficient and powered by renewable energy, with any remaining carbon emissions offset through recognised schemes.

The framework for achieving Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy outlines four key stages:

1. Reducing Energy Demand: This involves minimising energy use through efficient design, insulation, and “fabric-first” approaches.
2. Incorporating Low-Carbon Systems: Installing efficient HVAC, lighting, and other low-carbon technologies.
3. Maximising On-Site Renewables: Adding renewable energy sources like solar PV where space and feasibility allow.
4. Carbon Offsetting: Using recognised, including Gold standard schemes to offset unavoidable emissions, ensuring net zero is achieved.

The Role of CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor)

 The CRREM framework supports decarbonisation by identifying risks associated with buildings that fail to meet future energy standards. These properties – often referred to as ‘stranded assets’ – face potential obsolescence and reduced value due to non-compliance with regulations.

“Reducing the EU carbon footprint will require refurbishment in the existing buildings, but for some assets, retrofitting will not be financially viable.”

 The European Union has set an ambitious goal to decarbonise the building sector by 2050, recognising the crucial role of retrofitting existing properties. Investments in retrofitting could benefit the EU economy by up to EUR 175 billion annually, while also reducing the carbon footprint of the property sector. However, many existing buildings require significant upgrades to meet these decarbonisation pathways.

‘Stranding diagram’: The figure above provides a summary of the fundamental principle of CRREM’s stranding risk analysis approach for single properties.

Key highlights of CRREM include:

• Baseline and Targets: CRREM establishes decarbonisation pathways for different building types and locations, ensuring alignment with climate targets like 1.5°C/2°C.
• Retrofit Needs: Many existing buildings require retrofitting to meet these pathways. Without upgrades, assets may become non-compliant and lose value.
• Investor Guidance: CRREM provides tools for real estate companies to assess carbon risks and plan energy-efficient upgrades.

Why It Matters to You As A Real Estate Owner Or Investor

 To futureproof your assets and maximise their value, you need to consider these core areas:

1. Net Zero Carbon: Ensure your commercial properties are designed or refurbished to meet energy efficiency standards.
2. Sustainability Certifications: Certifications like BREEAM, WELL, and Fitwel can enhance property value and help attract ESG-conscious buyers.
3. EPC Compliance: Ensure your properties meet the UK’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to avoid penalties or loss of value during sales.
4. ESG Reporting: Incorporate ESG audits at the acquisition and sale stages to meet investor expectations and secure funding.

Making a Positive Impact

 Tackling climate change is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s an opportunity for real estate owners to add value, improve resilience, and secure long-term profitability. By incorporating net zero carbon strategies and prioritising ESG practices, the real estate industry can lead the way in building a more sustainable future.

 Since March 2021, asset managers and those in the financial market must classify funds based on their sustainability objectives under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). Properties with strong ESG credentials can access cheaper funding options through ESG-linked debt or equity, making them more attractive to investors. These savings allow investors to pay a higher purchase price, knowing their acquisition aligns with ESG mandates.

The changes you make to future-proof your commercial property assets and bring them in line with net-zero and ESG regulations today, will not only benefit the planet as a whole, but will also reap financial rewards for your business in the longer-term.

Need Help Navigating Net Zero?

 If this all sounds like a lot to navigate – don’t fret. That’s where PRE Chartered Surveyors can help.

Our range of professional reports, surveys, and services are tailored to help you investors navigate these challenges confidently.

Services we offer include:

• Measurement Services
  Fast, accurate measured surveys and reports, including Area Measurement Reports (NIA/GIA/GEA), Land Registry Compliant Lease Plans, and Calculated Boundary Surveys.
• Building Consultancy
  Comprehensive building condition surveys, dilapidations assessments, reinstatement cost evaluations, and landlord-tenant obligation advice to protect your property assets and maximise value.
• Project Management
  Efficient project oversight, from contract administration and feasibility studies to preventative maintenance planning and refurbishment management, ensuring your projects run on time and within budget.
• Sustainability Services
  Expert sustainability advice, including EPCs, Net Zero Pathway Reports, and Environmental & ESG Reports, to help you future-proof your assets, meet regulations, and enhance energy efficiency.

With our expertise and bespoke approach, we ensure that your properties are future-proofed, aligned with regulatory standards, and optimised for maximum value.

If you want to learn more about achieving Net Zero Carbon or would like tailored advice on EPC+1 Budget Costings and Net Zero Carbon Pathway Reports, we’re here to help.

📧 Contact Jason Antill for a CPD session or a competitive proposal:
[email protected] | +44 (0) 7855 520223

Precision. Results. Excellence.

Jason Antill, Managing Director

 

Jason studied Real Estate at Oxford Brookes University graduating in 2001 and qualified as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2004.In 2008, he set up PRE, a niche commercial Chartered Surveying firm offering professional services to both landlords and tenants across the UK. Now celebrating its 15th successful year the company is looking to continue to grow in services and size without loosing its core values.  competitively priced with an enthuses on customer service.  In 2018 Jason helped set up PropSail in association with PropSki which is now a permeant fixture in the property calendar.  He is a committee member of the Chartered Surveyors Livery Company and an expert witness in measured surveys.

 

Tara French – Director of Operations

 

Tara has been with PRE from the start and has worked her way up progressing to Director of Operations.  Taras day to day duties range from managing many areas within the company from client accounts, providing proposals, organising daily schedules for all team members to client liaison.  In her free time she loves all things netball, spending time with her family of Twins and older daughter often being Mum Taxi to sporting events and Taras currently working towards her Level 1 Netball Coaching Qualification to work with the next young generation of Netballers.

 

Robert Brown – Assistant Building Surveyor

 

Robert joined in 2020 as a trainee building surveyor. In 2021 he progressed on to an apprenticeship pathway and aims to become a chartered surveyor and member of the RICS by 2026. His duties range from undertaking onsite inspections to in-office report production. His onsite duties see him undertake a number of surveying types including measured surveys, architectural surveys and condition surveys. Robert has learned to adapt to various surveying equipment including laser measuring tools during his time at the company.  Outside of work, Robert enjoys a number of hobbies including hiking, with his dog, and paddle boarding (when the UK weather allows!). In the future Robert wants to widen his surveying knowledge so he can provide the highest level of service to PREs clients.

 

Alan Wilson – Assistant Building Surveyor

 

Alan joined the team in 2022 as an Assistant Building Surveyor and is currently pursuing a BSc in Chartered Building Surveying through an apprenticeship program. His role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including conducting Measured and Technical Due Diligence building surveys along with project management. Outside of work, Alan enjoys playing sports regularly and spending quality time with his family. He’s also learning the ins and outs of car maintenance, embracing the challenges that come with it.

 

Ana Marset – CAD Technician

 

Ana joined in 2021 as a CAD technician, bringing her background as an industrial engineer. Her duties involve analysing and assessing new projects to providing accurate timeframes that align with each project’s characteristics, followed by drawing and modelling plans. Outside of work, Ana enjoys DIY projects and staying active through sports. She aims to take on new challenges at work and travel to new places in the future.

 

Joshua Upson – Assistant Building Surveyor

 

Joshua joined the company in 2024 and is our newest recruit, he comes from a background in construction having worked here in London and also in Sydney, Australia. Joshua joined the team as an assistant building surveyor, some of his duties include carrying out measured surveys, cleaning and creating plans and completing reports. He is currently driven by the goal of completing half ironman in the future which keeps him busy during his free time. His professional goals are to become a member of RICS which the Degree he is currently studying will help him achieve this.

Guilherme Carvalho – CAD Technician

 

Guilherme joined PRE in 2018 as a CAD technician after finishing his MSc in Geoinformatics for Building Information Modelling at University College London. His duties range from setting timeframes and specifications for new projects, assessing the quality of the products produced by the team and training of new members, as well as the production of area measurement reports, lease plans and 2D architectural documentation, based on inspections carried out locally by the team. Outside of work, Guilherme spends most of his time with his son, taking him to parks and playgrounds and, as often as possible, to the beach.

 

 

 

Id never even been to Dubai before, or really herd much about the City.  As a Chartered Surveyor running my own SME business, for now 15 years, life is a constant balancing act. With offices in Soho, London, and a team of eight people to manage, I’ve always had a full plate. But 12 months ago, I decided to split my time between London and Dubai, working partially in-person and partially remotely.

2023 Was A Better Than Expected Financial Year For PRE!!

Not bad with reported UK commercial property take up being slow, high interest rates & inflation, supply of suitable space remaining limited, a risk of a recession and week GDP growth with economic downturn, not forgetting transport and trade union strikes…. HERE’S HOW 

 

1. Quick recap: although we were slightly lower on our revenue we increased our profit from last year! We did over 200 surveys of more than 8 million sq ft from a mixture of commercial sectors although largely % industrial. Pretty good, when commercial property transactions are down with secondary locations and assets suffering…tenants rising bias to prime?!

    

2. We were laser-focused on our target clients! PropCos, Asset Managers and collaborating with other consultants where best suited (also don’t forget it goes both ways), however not discounting the larger institutions. We made sure and reinforced clients about being multi-disciplinary able to include not only offering Measured & Sustainability but also Building and Project Management!  Which gave clients a one stop shop. We had the pleasure of working with the likes of some great clients, you all know who you are, big high five and thank you!

    

3. We eliminated nonessential processes! but kept high quality output and service to clients.  Getting feedback from clients and the PRE team highlighted how we could be better and more efficiently.  Moving the head offices from South London to Central London Soho, we can be closer to projects and clients.  Transport links around outer London, M25 and the southeast.

    

4. Do a great job! Each project has its challenges.  Being able to do more than one service line for the same project saves the client on cost and time.​ 80% of our clients are repeat customers or come through word of mouth as recommendations.

    

5. We built our own tech from scratch! We sat down with a tech company who helped build surveying software tools to drive huge efficiencies across PRE surveyors workflow…. meaning our survey team save 20-30% on projects as before and leverage it to scale up.  We built an APP too!

    

6. The PRE Team! Are our bricks and mortar to the company and clients.  A good culture is always important to us.  Trying to get the right balance isn’t easy.  Although from the start we have always embraced flexible working hours and remote working, in 2023 made a decision to move to a better location, nicer offices with breakout areas decent coffee machine, being together as a team has made a huge difference.

    

7. Conduct extensive training.  Having taken on apprentices who spend one day a week on their course, this brings in new ideas and relevant CPD for the company to also learn. We’re hiring for a few new roles. Do contact me and perhaps catch a coffee in Soho.

    

8. Our outlook and plans for 2024.  This year we are excited to be celebrating 15 successful years in business having founded the company in 2009 producing commercial EPC’s we now have 24 services.  Watch this space for celebrations…..We plan to expand cross sell all service lines to help existing and new clients,  Measured, Building, Project & Sustainability however still keep our core values, competitively priced, offering a high end delivery with repeat business relationships.

    

9. Sponsorship and Charity. We are again one the main PropSail sponsors on 6^th June 2024, this year will be its 5^thsuccessful year, with Roxburgh Asset Management and SLR Consultants also being main sponsors.  Watch this space for other property club events we plan to sponsor.  If you have any other ideas and need help or sponsorship please do get in touch. Charities include Story of Christmas, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and James’ Place to name a few.  Do take a look at their websites.

    

10. What’s the Future for UK Commercial Property.  Being at the coalface and UK nationwide, we found in 2023 the months very unpredictable.  Several UK property consultant research teams are showing 2023 investment volumes by sector at their lowest.  Will the general election be in May, November or Christmas and what affect will this for in store for 2024?  Plus elections globally this year will see 64 countries (plus the EU) approx. 49% of people in the world.  However we are optimistic and believe that this is now the year for opportunities and growth.

     

Good luck for 2024, Thank you for all the support in 2023 and excited to work together over the next exciting 12 months!!

Do get in touch for a catch up or coffee.

JASON ANTILL MRICS
Founder & Managing Director

Thank you for all your support in 2023 and very much looking forward to working with you in 2024 on Measurement, Building, Project and Sustainability Consultancy Services in 2024.

 

Thank you for all your support in 2023 and very much looking forward to working with you in 2024 on Measured, Building, Project and Sustainability Consultancy Services in 2024.

About CRREM

7 Key Actions 

1.Keeping up with the latest changes in ESG: Helping you make sense of ESG acronyms 

TCFD, SFDR, Eu Taxonomy, Climate Risk Assessment, Green Finance, Article 8/9 funds and what it all means for your assets.

2. Health and wellbeing in real estate

Humans spend 90% of our time indoors. Buildings should promote health and wellbeing. Certifications like WELL and Fitwel can support human health indoors and add value to your real estate.

3.Net Zero Carbon: futureproofing your commercial assets

Provide advice on key considerations to make and features to incorporate when designing and refurbishing your commercial assets to achieve net zero carbon.

4.Developing your ESG strategy: through acquisition and beyond

Understanding key options for Net Zero Carbon at the technical due diligence stage when buying or selling assets.

5.An overview of net zero, BREEAM, WELL, LEED, Fitwel and EPCs

There are various sustainability certifications you can look to achieve and help you to understand which can work best for portfolio, fund and your assets.

6.Getting EPCs right

We take you through the governance that matter and the items that don’t when you need to refurbish and improve your EPC to achieve value for money.

7.ESG audit reports at purchase and sale

Since March 2021, asset managers (as well as investors in the financial markets) must classify their funds (or other investment products) depending on their sustainability purpose, in order to ascertain which reporting obligations to fulfil under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.

Further Information & Client CPD

Should you need me to come into your offices and provide an updated CPD or teams call CPD on this important topic or provide a competitive proposal for EPC+1 Budget Costings & Net Zero Carbon Pathway Reports please do contact by email [email protected] or phone +44 (0) 7855520223

 

PRE entered #propsail22 at the Royal London yacht Club in Cowes with Jason Antill (skipper/helm), Andrew Hynard (trimmer and tactics), James Hollingsworth (trimmer) and Billy Struth (bowman), they are also all members of Oxford Brookes Real Estate Society.  There were 4 races over one day and the team came 3rd, 2nd, 2nd and in the last race 1st bringing a total of 8 points only 3 points behind the lead boat Paragon part of Colliers.  Congratulations to all the 12 boats that took part in the racing and already looking forward to #propsail23.

PRE were instructed by the landlord to project manage a CAT A office fit out refurbishment of a grade 2 listed period property on the corner of Argyle and Great Marlborough Street close to The London Palladium Ornate Theatre know for musical revues.Throughout the refurbishment process building regulations and environmental standards will need to be met.

PRE were kindly instructed to carry out a CAT A office refurbishment of Castle House, London, SW1 on behalf of the Landlords.  There were several routes to choose from to include Project Managment (PM),

While project managers are responsible for working with cross-functional teams to closely manage new initiatives from start to finish, contract managers are responsible for keeping track of every deadline, deliverable, and other obligations laid out in a company’s contracts.

Contract administration is the process of ensuring that the seller lives up to the agreements in the contract. The project manager and the contract administrator must work together to make certain the seller meets its obligations. … Within the contract there must be the terms for payment.

In short, contract administration involves the planning, negotiation, execution and performance of any contact with customers or vendors. The preparation and implementation of contracts has great potential for aligning mutually agreeable contracts that lead to positive business outcomes.

The Pride in London parade will be held on Saturday 2nd July 2022. This year is a significant year for the Pride movement and the LGBT+ community as we commemorate 50 Years since the first Pride took place in the United Kingdom.

Freehold is a leading and unique networking forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender real estate professionals working within the real estate sector. Since its official launch in September 2011, the group has grown to over 1000 members and continues to expand.

Freehold is a network set up exclusively for the real estate industry and its members include building surveyors, valuation surveyors, agency surveyors, asset managers, architects, developers, investors and property lawyers from both the public and private sector.

Both the Chartered Surveyors Company and Livery Light are in support of and celebrating 50 years of Pride in the UK.

The campaign for 2022 will commemorate the past 50 years and our evolution as a movement; acknowledging those torch bearers who have come before us and their achievements. As we celebrate and look forward to the next 50 years, we’ll recognise the challenges still faced by our community nationally and globally.

Participation in the parade gives the opportunity for expression of celebration, joy and triumph but also the voice to rightly express the continued fight for those injustices and inequalities that exist amongst us. On July 2nd, we want to make a powerful statement as we march towards progress; calling on the UK Govt to ban conversion therapy for all LGBT+ people, reform the Gender Recognition, provide equal protection for LGBT+ communities against hate crime, by making homophobic, biphobic or transphobic hate crime an aggravated crime in line with racial and religious hate crimes, end its hostile enviornment toward minority migrants, establish a national AIDS memorial that truly honours and remembers those who we have lost and the impact of HIV and Aids and to take a leading role in tackling the violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people around the globe.

PRE complete Landlords Obligations for a fast up and coming Food and Beverage company.  Are occupiers now becoming more demanding on requirements of buildings tan before? and can central town center buildings that predominantly are period and historic cope with these?

The annual inter Livery Clay Shoot is one of the highlights of the City of London Charity events. This year the simulated shoot was split over 2 days in May at the Holland & Holland shooting grounds based in Northwood Middlesex, edge of London. There were just short of 500 guns with teams of four representing over 80 Livery Companies. Each member of the team shoots 80 birds sporting over 10 stands. The team then shoot together for the 80- bird flush.

This year the Surveyors’ Livery again fielded two teams, however due to illness and last-minute commitments several guns, including the Master had to withdraw. Replacements were quickly found including a couple of non-Liverymen, who helped Team B achieve 1^st place in the non-Livery category with an exceptional score of 284 and were placed 5^th= in the overall competition.

Team B consisted of Thomas Dunn, James Webster, Ian Parker, and a roving gun from Team A while Team A consisted of Jason Antil, Harvey Soning, Mark Peace and a roving gun with a combined score of 156 achieving 80^thplace in the competition.

Congratulations to Harvey Sonning and Thomas Dunn who were placed 9^th and 16^th in the individually scores. The day finished off with an outdoor field Lunch

https://www.interliveryshoot.com/

 

 

 

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST – SAVE THE DATES @ #PropSail2022

Wednesday 8^th June – Optional overnight stay or arrive early on Thursday morning.

Thursday 9th June – Regatta Race Day, Royal London Yacht Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight – Regatta Dinner and Prize giving with Overnight Stay & Breakfast included.

Friday 10th June – Optional exhilarating RIB ride to The Hut restaurant in Colwell Bay.

https://presurveyors.co.uk/news/propsail-video-2019/

 

We have been busy organising #PropSail2022 and would be delighted if you were able to join us as PropSailor this year!

PropSail is part of the PropEvents and is fantastic sailing, fundraising and first-class networking property regatta that is guaranteed to sell out fast!  Heading into its third year, the property event is likely to follow a similar format to 2019.

The PropSail Team would be delighted if you could kindly register your interest by replying back to this email. You do not have to organise any crew or boat.

The sailing boats will be one design keel boats, J-70’s (x12) OR Sonar’s (x9).  Each boat will have a total of X4 PropSailors.

The Skipper and Crew Briefing will be on Wednesday 25^th May – Registration at 6PM – RORC London Club House, 20 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NN.  All skills and experience will be very similarly matched in each boat, giving equal standings and plenty of opportunity to network. To confirm the total PropSailors in each boat is x4.

On Friday 10th June there is an optional exhilarating Private RIB ride to The Famous Hut restaurant in Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight.  You will be picked up from the RLYC jetty and taken to the restaurants VIP upper deck for a fantastic property networking lunch, before dropping you back in Cowes late afternoon.

Once we receive your registered interest all costs and further information will be provided.

Sponsorship

PropSail is a fantastic opportunity for sponsorship, exposure, branding, photos and client entertaining.  Please contact the committee if you want to explore sponsorship options, but be quick as spots are limited!

Any further questions please do speak to one of the committee members.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the regatta.

PropSail Committee – Jason Antill, Becks Harper, Adam Thornton, Oliver Freedman & Alice Masterman 

M:                 +44 (0) 7855 520 223

E:                  [email protected]

W:                 www.propsail.co.uk

Twitter:         propsail_team

Linked in:      propsail team

Instagram:    propsail_team

The PRE #propski2022 Race Team is back for its 5th year running.

PROPSKI is in its 9th year with over 450 UK property professionals attending in Chamonix underneath the epic peak Mont Blanc!

 

Video image of a recent project where a 3D REVIT model played a large part in the refurbishment program for the architects, quantity surveyors and contractors.

Building surveyors are involved in all aspects of property and construction, providing the link between the client and the contracting world. A building surveyor is generally considered to have one of the broadest yet most specialised skill sets in surveying, giving them an ideal perspective when strategically advising you on your property assets.

A chartered building surveyor provides professional advice on property and construction, and therefore, is required to be experienced in a wide variety of construction-related matters. This includes works that involve the repair, maintenance, refurbishment, alteration and extensions of residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Building surveyors assess and report on defects and offer professional advice in the running of building projects. A building surveyor might do any of the following:

• Produce specifications
• Procure and oversee contracted works
• Advise on statutory requirements such as planning, Building Regulations or CDM
• Carry out measured building surveys
• Undertake building defect analysis
• Advise on budget or provide the link to connect with project professional. This is done on their behalf if appropriate

Building surveyors work closely with their clients (property owners or tenants), local planning bodies, specialist consultants and building contractors (of many different sizes). Their aim is to ensure that projects are completed to brief and ideally sustainability, safely, on time, and to the correct level of quality, all to match the client’s budget.

Building Surveying is a Multi-Faceted Role

The role of a building surveyor is broad and varied, covering a host of duties and expertise, ranging from conserving and restoring historic buildings to new developments. That said, the most common use of building surveyors (most people can relate to) is as the person employed to survey when purchasing a new home. In this instance, a building surveyor will give professional advice on the property you are looking to purchase and may answer specific questions in relation to any issues you are aware of.

The advice a chartered building surveyor provides you is regulated by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). As a regulatory body, the RICS ensures that its members (denoted MRICS) always provide impartial and professional advice.

If advice falls short of expectations, then the RICS requires that these situations be managed in a certain manner. Chartered surveyors must also be insured to protect their clients from any errors or mistakes which may be made.

To become a chartered building surveyor, prospective candidates are required to earn a RICS accredited degree and to subsequently participate in at least two years of structured training. PRE plays an active role within and alongside the RICS in the training of new building surveying candidates. Once their degree has been attained, the Assessment of Professional Competency (APC) is entered into. Bidwells has a strong track record in training candidates, and in providing the guided experience required to attain membership status in the RICS.

Building surveyors work in most real estate markets, including residential, commercial, industrial, retail and more. There are plenty of opportunities for building surveyors to work for property consultancies, public organisations, private clients and contractors as specialist niche markets. Building surveyors require strong technical skills, strong people skills, and high levels of integrity.

The Duties of a Building Surveyor

Many people assume building surveyors simply look for hidden defects in a property. While this is partly true, it is only a small part of what a qualified building surveyor is trained to do. Services that building surveyors perform are broad, but can include the following for both tenants and landlords:

• Advising on dilapidations issues
• Surveying the condition of a building or property before purchase
• Helping to manage and budget a building by compiling Planned Preventative Maintenance programmes
• Implementing the refurbishment of a property
• Undertaking a Reinstatement Cost Assessment of a building for insurance purposes (formerly known as a fire reinstatement valuation)
• Providing guidance and advice on the Party Wall Etc Act 1996

Other services provided by a building surveyor include:

• Construction design and building works
• Property management and monitoring
• Insurance assessment and claims
• Planning applications
• Pre-acquisition surveys
• Negotiating dilapidations claims

How to Choose a Building Surveyor

When choosing a building surveyor, ask yourself the following:

• Is the building surveyor chartered?
• Does the surveyor’s brief provide answers to my questions?
• Does the surveyor have the correct level of experience?
• Has the survey process been clearly explained to me?

A pre-purchase building survey is an incredibly important part of the process. Therefore, your building surveyor must have significant experience in these types of surveys and carry out building surveys on an ongoing basis.

You can request the following from your building surveyor as proof:

• A sample survey report, so you are aware of what they will be inspecting
• A copy of their terms and conditions, or terms of engagement
• Confirmation of professional indemnity insurance
• Confirmation of the brief

The PRE Approach

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, PRE has the experience within our large team of chartered building surveyors to handle all aspects of your commercial property. We work closely with all of our clients to protect and enhance property assets and to assist in managing risk. As a multidisciplinary firm, PRE also has expertise in all other areas of property.

Working: South London Offices with flexible remote working

An existing client base in the property industry would be ideal, however we can help with this with an already large client list on our CRM System.

 

Job Description:

The Aldgate School is the only State primary school in the City of London and its pupils have an urgent need of laptops and tablets on which to access the school’s online learning programme.

Lizzie Webb, the school’s business manager has asked me to pass on this message to you:

Covid-19 has affected our children in many ways. In particular it has highlighted the lack of access to technology for some of our families.  Class bubbles are having to close and move to remote learning. As a school we have been steadily integrating technology with learning.  Providing access to technology not only allows for the children to learn remotely but also to communicate with their peers during periods of isolation. This supports both their wellbeing and reduces the feeling of isolation for some of the children; many of whom live in overcrowded conditions and have no access to technology at home.

If you have a tablet or laptop which you would be willing to donate to the school please do contact us.

Those who regularly let commercial premises will be aware that landlords are usually able to claim damages for dilapidations arising from breaches of a tenant’s covenants relating to the physical state of the building at the end of the lease.

Because the payment of damages represents compensation for the tenant’s failure to comply with their lease obligations, such payments have historically been outside the scope of VAT. However that is about to change.

HMRC has confirmed that they intend to treat dilapidations payments as being subject to VAT (if the landlord has opted to tax) from 1 February 2021.  HMRC’s view appears to be that since dilapidations payments are provided for in the lease, they represent an additional consideration payable by the tenant under the lease and should therefore be subject to VAT.

With less than two weeks to go, it is therefore imperative that you make it clear whether any dilapidations damages settlement you’re currently negotiating is inclusive of VAT.

The good news is that HMRC do not intend to make the new rules retrospective, so any old dilapidations settlement agreements do not need to be revisited.

HMRC has invited comments on these changes, but with such a short timeframe before they come into effect, it is likely that the new rules will be in force as drafted from 1 February 2021 regardless.  Whether they might be amended subsequently remains unclear.

This change could be unwelcome news for those tenants where they cannot recover VAT themselves (such as those who are VAT exempt).

In all cases, it would be wise for a landlord in any dilapidations settlement agreement to state whether the sums due are inclusive or exclusive of VAT, and include an express provision requiring the tenant to pay VAT on any damages in the event that HMRC find that such a payment is subject to VAT.  If it is clear that VAT has already been accounted for in the settlement sum, the settlement sum should be expressed as inclusive of VAT and the tenant should seek to ensure that the agreement is in full and final settlement of the claim, including any applicable VAT.

If you are affected by this change, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team. 

PRE are excited to announce a NEW service for 2021 providing property owners of residential high rise flats with EWS1 forms for fire risk assessment purposes.  Being a multi disciplinary chartered surveying firm we can provide professional services to Developers, Funders, Occupiers and Owners with everything they need to save on cost and time in these challenging economic client.

The EWS1 form will not be needed on buildings where there is no cladding; providing certainty for the almost 450,000 homeowners who may have felt stuck in limbo. However, residential apartment buildings 18m or more above ground with cladding still need EWS1 external wall fire reviews.

That said majority of mortgage funders are requesting these forms as part of their internal compliance.

It is reported that there are hundreds of thousands of flat owners that could be forced to take on 30-year loans akin to a second mortgage to fix fire safety defects.

Campaign group End Our Cladding Scandal estimates that the erosion of trust in building safety has created 1.93m “mortgage prisoners” in England such as the Aristidous, who are unable to sell their homes because banks and other mortgage providers have refused to lend to would-be buyers.

The Grenfell disaster claimed 72 lives and the ongoing inquiry established that external cladding fitted to the building as part of a renovation earlier in the decade was the “principal” cause of the fire’s rapid spread. Those findings put the spotlight on the safety of similar materials used on hundreds of thousands of other new or refurbished buildings and destroyed faith in the country’s building regulations. Last week, a scathing report by the parliamentary housing committee said it was “deeply shocking and completely unacceptable” to have  over three years after the disaster. It also said it would be “an abdication of responsibility” by the government if leaseholders were forced to pay to fix the problem.

The government inadvertently widened the scope of the crisis in January when it guided that all buildings with an external wall system — which could be any type of cladding, practical or decorative — should be assessed for safety. This intervention greatly expanded the number of properties on which mortgage providers were reluctant to lend. The government estimates there are at least 839,000 leasehold flats in England in 58,000 apartment blocks with potentially unsafe cladding.

In May, ministers launched a £1bn Building Safety Fund (BSF) to help towards the removal of dangerous cladding on tower blocks. But the fund is only available on an estimated 1,700 taller blocks, like Grenfell, above 18m, and is well short of the government’s cost estimate of £3.5bn.

Should you own an apartment or be a landlord which meets the high risk category 18m with cladding and require a fire risk assessment report with a view to completing an (EWS1) form, please do contact JASON ANTILL BSc (Hons) MRICS DipNDEA  [email protected]

While we’re sure that most of us are excited to leave 2020 behind once and for all, we wanted to take a moment to thank the PRE Chartered Surveyors team and clients — from the major milestones to the memorable 271 projects completed. Plus, we’ll take a look at what’s in store for this year too #buildingsurveys #areameasurmentreports #scan2bim #epcs #ews1

External Façade Inspection Inspection Report – EWS1 Form

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Building Societies Association (BSA), and UK Finance has developed a cross-industry approach (EWS1 Form) to enable assessments of external wall systems in high rise blocks of flats to be undertaken for mortgage lending valuation purposes. For residential properties (where required), PRE and our approved insured expert consultants will arrange for the completion of this form in conjunction with the inspection process detailed below.

1. Background

Non-loadbearing external facades (including various cladding types) have for many years been used to increase the thermal performance of multi-storey residential buildings to enhance the building’s lifespan. Increasingly, these systems are being used in new buildings with the cladding systems being fixed to and supported by a light steel frame and a wide range of design solutions and materials are currently available.

The risk of fire spread in multi-storey buildings is an issue of current concern, and recent fires have continued to highlight this. External facades have the potential to quickly spread fire through a multi-storey building causing potential loss of life and extensive property damage. Furthermore, following recent fire events, the scope of external facade inspections has also been expanded to include balconies and other external surface structures and features.

2. The Problem

Property owners and property managers are now required to demonstrate the safety of their buildings’ external facades and to help them in this often very complex process, the Government (through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government [MHCLG]) has been publishing an increasing number of Guidance Notes and Advice Notes. The current consolidated guidance is Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multioccupied Residential Buildings published in January 2020.

However, the requirement to demonstrate the safety of their buildings’ façades is often not straightforward due to there being a general lack of technical information concerning the installed facades including no details of cavity barriers, construction, and product specifications.

Property owners and property managers are then faced with the need to instruct specialist consultants to provide their expert opinions in respect of offering an answer to the external facade safety question.

PRE has a team of specialist expert consultants who are experienced and insured in inspecting building facades and has developed the following service approach.

3. General Inspection / Testing

In respect of the various types of building facades, it is generally the case that where metallic / non-metallic cladding has been identified on high-rise buildings, the cladding system has never been tested to confirm whether the materials are non-combustible. It is important therefore, that the inspection / testing concentrates on the entire cladding system and not just the external material. The cladding system may be made up of a metallic skin with a substrate and insulation attached, or there may be layers of insulation or other materials behind the cladding.

Testing in isolation often has limited value and therefore, we would propose an approach where we check the compartmentation and fire stopping behind the cladding as this may mitigate the results of the testing.

Note: additional façade materials including brickwork / render may also need to be included in the scope of the overall inspection.

1.1 The client will need to provide all available documentation relating to the building’s external facade, for example,

• Architects wall makeup, both sectional and elevations (including attachments to the wall/balcony).
• Architects/as built detail for cavity barrier location.
• Architects material selection of wall makeup, attachments, and cavity barriers.
• Manufactures’ material selection including fire classification certificates, (BBA and any other style certificate to provide confirmation as per MHCLG guidance notes).
• Confirmation (as built) drawings.
• Building control sign off.
• O&M manuals.
• Fire strategy used for the development of the project (final version).
• Fire risk assessment.

A review of the available documentation will enable the fire specialist to prepare for the Preparatory Inspection Visit (see below).

Note: It is very important that client provides all available background information as it may significantly affect the report conclusions if information is subsequently provided and is found to be different.

NOTE: At this stage, the fire specialist could identify the need for a cladding sample to be taken for the purposes of determining whether it meets the following standards:

• ISO 1716 to class A2 (building over 18m) or
• Appropriate recommended ‘Reaction to fire performance of external surface of walls’ (buildings below 18m).

NOTE: As well as reviewing the building’s façade, a review of external balconies and other external surfacestructures and features would also be included where necessary.

Stage 2 – Preparatory Inspection Visit

2.1  The fire specialist will visit the property in order to identify the locations for intrusive investigations in the façade. Investigation locations will include (but will not be limited to) exposing areas between compartment floors and walls, ducts or flues penetrating the external facade, around windows/doors and adjacent to means of escape e.g. staircases.

2.2  Following this inspection visit, the fire specialist will prepare an External Facade Inspection Locations

Stage 3 – Appointing the Facade Access Contractor

3.1 PRE will issue The External Façade Inspection Locations Report to the client who will then need to appoint a competent contractor directly. The contractor will determine the most appropriate method of exposing the façade locations identified in the report; this may involve:

• removing panels
• cutting holes in panels
• drilling holes into the building substrate.

Furthermore, the competent contractor will also identify the most appropriate method of accessing the façade locations, for example, mobile elevating work platforms, tower scaffolds etc. together with their safe method of operation.

Note: The client must ensure the competent contractor is fully briefed which may include liaising with the

local authority with regards to positioning access equipment on public pavements and roads (which may / may not require permission to temporarily close roads). It is important that the contractor is present during this visit to ensure the inspection visit is planned correctly (access locations / road closures / crane / cherry picker licence).

Note: Proper planning at this stage is likely to save money through the process to avoid abortive visit charges.

Stage 4 – Inspection Visit

4.1. The fire specialist will visit the property with the competent contractor appointed by the client to inspect the façade locations requiring investigation.

4.2. Where the fire specialist has identified the need for a façade sample e.g. of the cladding materials, to be taken for the purposes of determining whether it meets the relevant fire safety standards, the competent contractor will be responsible for liaising with the client in order to identify and agree the most suitable location where a 300x300mm section of façade can be taken.

4.3. The fire specialist will then arrange for the facade sample to be sent to an approved third-party testing laboratory.

Note: The sample testing would be subject to an additional fee.

4.4. The fire specialist will then prepare a report which will include the following information:

• Description of the property including its height, number of floors, relevant design features etc;
• Details of locations of compartment floors and walls in the building/premises.
• Details of the installed facade including product type, method of attachment and location.
• The appropriate fire safety standard for the façade for the property type.
• Inspection findings including results of testing (if appropriate).
• Conclusions i.e. whether the external façade meets the appropriate fire safety standard and can therefore, be deemed to meet an acceptable level of safety.
• Where the facade is deemed not to meet an acceptable level of fire safety, remedial action will be recommended.

Stage 5 – EWS1 Form Sign-Off

5.1 Depending on the construction of the property and the inspection findings, we would then arrange for a Chartered Surveyor / Fire Engineer to sign the appropriate option of the EWS1 form and to offer any further advice regarding interim controls / longer term remediation.

5.2 Note: If interim controls / longer term remediation are identified as being necessary, then it will also be necessary to review the fire risk assessment for the property to take account of the external façade inspection findings (often referred to as an Interim Fire Risk Assessment). This would be an additional service and costed for separately.

Special Note:

On 21st November 2020, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government advised that owners of flats in buildings without cladding will no longer need an EWS1 form to sell or remortgage their properties.

The following guidance was then published on the same date – Supplementary note to Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multi- occupied Residential Buildings.

On first reading, people might be forgiven for thinking that the changes to the EWS1 process will now mean that no further inspection work is required for buildings without cladding. This is not the case, as the supplementary

Guidance states that:

• the functional requirements of the relevant building regulations in force at the time of construction still have to be determined which can only be done through the invasive inspection process;
• the information obtained through the invasive inspection process will be required to enable risk based judgements to be made to determine what further action may / may not be necessary;
• ACM cladding (and other metal composite material cladding) with unmodified polyethylene filler (category 3 in screening tests), on buildings of any height still needs to be removed as soon as possible;
• other cladding forms on buildings 18m or more in height will need to be specifically risk assessed in order to determine the need for remediation.

Whilst it is clear that the focus of the new Government guidance is to free up the housing market in relation to blocks of flats, the focus is very much not to alter the need for building owners to make sure their buildings are fire safe.

Stage 6 – Interim Fire Risk Assessment

In circumstances when it has been confirmed that the external wall system does not meet an appropriate standard of safety for residents, other occupiers, people in the proximity of the building or firefighters, it is important to immediately implement short term interim mitigating measures.

In not meeting the appropriate fire safety standard, this will mean that material changes have been identified and therefore, the Fire Risk Assessment for the property will need to be reviewed. This fire risk assessment review will need to consider these material changes in conjunction with the wider fire risk management controls to enable the site-specific short term interim mitigating measures to be identified.

The competent fire risk assessor will need to consider:

• Ability of vulnerable residents to evacuate the building without assistance
• Presence of combustible materials
• Integrity of flat entrance doors
• Standards of compartmentation
• Smoke control systems
• Firefighting facilities
• Residents smoke alarms
• Evacuation strategy – stay put / simultaneous / waking watch.

Note: the fire risk assessor chosen to undertake the interim fire risk assessment should be sufficiently competent to evaluate the overall risk to residents once it has been concluded that the building does not meet an appropriate standard of safety.

4. Fees

Project specific fee proposals will be prepared for each property; however, it should be noted that some elements of the proposed fees will only be capable of being finalised after the Preparatory Inspection Visit. This is due to the fact that the access contractor will need to finalise their fee once they know exactly what areas of the external façade require inspection. Also, depending on the method of access chosen, this may have an impact on the time it would take to complete the actual façade inspection.

Please also note that the fee to complete the Interim Fire Risk Assessment will be subject to an additional fee.

5. Competence

PRE has a team of specialist consultants who are experienced in inspecting building facades. Our specialists satisfy the competency standard set out in the most up to date government guidance.

Specifically, we use Chartered Fire Engineers who are able to provide detailed advice should the facade be identified as not meeting the required building fire safety standards.

This advice would include:

• any short-term fire safety mitigation controls;
• remediation advice; and
• how the fire risk

6. Process Chart for Assessing External Wall Systems (EWS1 Form)

In providing this service, we adhere to the approach set out in the consolidated government guidance: Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multi-occupied Residential Buildings published in January 2020, and the Supplementary note to Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multi- occupied Residential Buildings published in November 2020. This includes the level of competence the specialist consultants must possess in order to advise on lower risk and higher risk facades.

If you have any questions and or projects  you would like us to look into please do contact one one of our leadership team.