Other News

Whilst the words "credit crunch, recession and economic downturn" have appeared frequently in the local and national newspapers over the past 24 months, the Cornish industrial market has gone from strength to strength.

As established premier leisure agents in Cornwall, we are often asked by prospective clients and applicants alike, what types of businesses within the leisure sector are selling in the current market, particularly in relation to hotels, guest houses etc. It is obviously comforting to handle this question based on recent sales evidence and during recent weeks we have been successful in concluding deals in the popular resorts of Newquay and Falmouth on a coaching hotel, a successful quality guest house and a backpackers lodge in differing locations from coast to coast. Furthermore, applicant demand has created many other sale agreements, with completions earmarked shortly to benefit from the eagerly anticipated busy 2010 season.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Collins to our growing Hotel, Licensed & Leisure Department. Paul has extensive knowledge of the licensed & hospitality trade throughout the South West, having worked for large national pub companies and independent licensees for some 10 years. More recently, Paul has been working for the UK's largest group of estate agents covering Cornwall for their flagship Country Homes Department, during which time he was instrumental in some of the largest property transactions the County has seen.

Westcountry activity levels within the commercial sector of the property market have continued to strengthen over recent months, which to a degree, is bucking the national trend, with High Street retail demand continuing at a good level. Richard Gilbert, Associate Partner, reports that most sectors of the commercial property market are showing considerably increased levels of activity. The hospitality industry within the UK in general, has experienced a downturn in both bed occupancy levels and rack rates, with a number of the larger hotel groups struggling in a depressed market.

With arguably one of the worst trading years across all industrial sectors in 2009, 2010 has been ushered in with a fleeting glimpse of optimism that "things can only get better"! It may be the prospect of an early Easter, another barbeque summer (you heard it here first), England lifting the Jules Rimet cup in the summer or, more likely, it will be the culmination of finally putting the football over the metaphorical line.

Over the past few months we have certainly seen an increase in the number of office requirements in Cornwall, which is a promising indication of "green shoots". Occupiers are, however, aware of the range of choice of space available and many are taking advantage of the incentives which landlord's and developers are presently offering.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Members Rule Book and Best Practice Guidelines are an integral part of providing a compliant and quality service to Landlords and tenants alike of both commercial and residential property.

The new 2^nd Edition of the Code came into effect from 6^th April 2009 and has been produced in order to comply with statute and to promote good practice in the management of residential leasehold property where a service charge is payable and where the landlord is not a public sector authority or Registered Social Landlord.