We Survived To 2025…..Now What?

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