“ WE ARE A VERY FRIENDLY ORGANISATION , WE HAVE GOOD CLIENTS AND WE GIVE THEM A HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE .”
PROPERTY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT : SANDERSON WEATHERALL
buildings unless they can see a return straight away , which often is not possible .”
Based on clients ’ wishes , Sanderson Weatherall takes a proactive approach to improving properties and that extends to , for example , updating lighting in common areas which can also reduce energy costs . On-going liaison with clients involves monthly reporting and meetings for the larger clients in particular and regular updates as required to keep them informed . There is also a client portal for some clients to access their accounts , which may be extended more generally . Maintaining relationships with tenants is also important , particularly in difficult times .
“ It depends on the tenants and buildings but , certainly over the last few years when economic circumstances have been difficult , there has had to be more contact with tenants ,” remarks Chris . “ Landlords have had to adopt friendly policies to keep tenants because , at the end of the lease , they can go quite easily . The main issue in the last five years has been to keep the service charge costs down because the companies we deal with are trying to save money .”
The economic situation has led to a change in clients ’ attitudes , many preferring the certainty of a fixed annual charge rather than one based on a percentage of rental income . This is at a time when regulation has increased , covering such things as health and safety , asbestos and gas and electrical testing , imposing additional property costs . The recession has also delayed Sanderson Weatherall ’ s objectives to become a truly national business rather than one viewed by some as still Northern-based . To that end , it has opened a new office in Bristol to add to those in Newcastle upon Tyne , Leeds , London , Manchester and Teesside . It has also acquired a holiday home park and caravan site advisory business to add to the extent of its services with additional offices based in Exeter and York .
“ WE ARE A VERY FRIENDLY ORGANISATION , WE HAVE GOOD CLIENTS AND WE GIVE THEM A HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE .”
CHRIS DIXON HEAD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT
Any changes won ’ t affect the company ’ s emphasis on providing a personal service with a high involvement of Partners . This approach sometimes loses it business in the short-term as rivals undercut by using cheaper and less experienced staff to do the work but , insists Chris , won ’ t cause Sanderson Weatherall to lower its standards : “ We are a very friendly organisation , we have good clients and we give them a high quality of service .” www . sandersonweatherall . co . uk Tel : 0191 2612681
58 BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE www . bdcmagazine . co . uk