EA Shaw is awarded with London Adviser of the Year, while Land Securities picks up its second regional award of 2011, with London Property Company of the Year
London adviser of the year: EA Shaw
EA Shaw must be getting quite a collection of EG Awards, as once again it has been voted London property adviser of the year.
The niche Midtown agency has been rebranded in the past year to reflect its young team – of the 50 staff the average age is 43 – and its different areas of expertise.
Highlights for the firm include being appointed managing agents for Soho Estates’ 70-unit residential portfolio and letting the commercial space and half the residential space at Longmartin’s St Martin’s Courtyard, WC2, development.
Charlie Killen, partner in charge of commercial at EA Shaw, says: “St Martin’s Courtyard sums up what EA Shaw is about, how well we work together, because it is a scheme with a combination of residential and commercial lettings. For the size of business, we are the only firm that gives mixed-use residential and commercial advice.”
The firm seems to have plenty of happy clients, too. “We were absolutely delighted with the level of professionalism and advice,” says Stephen Lane of the Scottish Widows Investment Partnership.
EA Shaw advised SWIP on the purchase of Scala House in Fitzrovia.
Now, Killen says it is business as usual, which means offering the best service possible to clients, as well as making sure staff remain enthusiastic and committed to their work.
London property company of the year: Land Securities
London property company of the year is just one of two EG Regional Awards that Land Securities will be picking up this year. In London, the developer is a dominant player in both the city and West End and was one of the first to start speculatively building.
Rob Noel, managing director of Land Securities’ London portfolio, says: “In 2010 we outlined a clear plan to develop into a supply constrained market and we were the first to start large-scale development this cycle. The highlight for me is that we have already started reaping the benefits by crystallising profits and recycling the capital into further schemes.”
A prime example of this is Park House on Oxford Street, W1. The 320,000 sq ft-plus mixed-use development of offices, retail and residential was forward-sold last summer to Qatari investment firm Barwa.
In the City, the developer has sold its 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3, tower development, known as the Walkie Talkie, to Canary Wharf Group and formed 50:50 joint venture company called 20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership. Work on development started in the spring.
Steve Mitchell, director of Colliers International, says: “Land Securities has won the Estates Gazette London property company award because they know London, know how businesses work and can relate to the needs of occupiers. Their track record and history is well-respected throughout the property industry and this award reflects the view of their peers.”
