We first came across Glinsman Weller in 2014 when we purchased a building in Marylebone that they were selling for a firm of solicitors. Despite being on “opposite sides”, we hit it off instantly and have worked together closer ever since with both Paul and Richard advising on a range of acquisitions, rent reviews and lease renewals across London. On a recent rent review, they were able to reduce the landlord’s initial demand for an increase of 67% to just 5%, producing a substantial saving for the business.
Richard initially advised us during the last 18 months of our former lease. He showed us a range of interesting properties. We were tempted by a floor in Orion House, Covent Garden but another tenant beat us to it. Within a couple of months Richard became aware of another floor that was due to come to the market and helped us to negotiate the terms of our lease. We appreciated the close personal attention we received and the additional help he gave us in finding a first rate solicitor and fit out firm. Over the following years, he helped us on numerous further acquisitions, disposals and lease regears to the point where we now occupy four consecutive floors in the building. We would be delighted to recommend Richard to others.
Since taking the decision nearly twenty years ago to relocate from the multistorey townhouse that was our London HQ to a more efficient single-floor office, we have worked with Glinsman Weller on three occasions. As our requirements have evolved, Richard has consistently demonstrated an excellent understanding of our needs, identifying properties that work well for us and securing the right space on very competitive terms. His knowledge, advice and support throughout the process have always been invaluable. We have recommended Richard to others in the past and would have no hesitation in doing so again.
I have worked with Richard Weller for nearly twenty years during which time he has acquired new offices for us in locations as diverse as Soho, Islington and Manchester along with advising on rent reviews, lease renewals and surrender negotiations. We have a preference for working with smaller companies where we can be sure that we will be looked after throughout by senior, experienced people and no one exemplifies this better than Glinsman Weller.
When the lease on our previous offices was coming to an end and there was no prospect of renewal, we were recommended to Glinsman Weller to handle our relocation. Richard provided us with a list of possibilities in our target location and negotiated favourable terms, including an option to break at the midpoint, for our preferred option. In time, he was able to use the break as leverage to not only agree our rent review at nil increase but to also extend the additional rent free that had previously been negotiated.
Strong growth in the business combined with a lack of opportunity to expand in our current building meant that Aurora had need for larger offices whilst there was still over a year remaining on our lease. A fully fitted and furnished opportunity was identified nearby and Richard negotiated for a new lease, including alterations to the landlord’s works, alongside agreeing an early surrender at far below the total liability. Time was of the essence and, with Richard working in close conjunction with our lawyer, we were able to get from agreement of Heads of Terms to formal completion in just over two weeks.
Richard has advised us on a number of relocations during the last 20 years taking in The City, Mayfair, Soho and most recently Marylebone which has also involved disposing of our existing lease. On each occasion he has provided us with an excellent service and worked well with our other advisors to bring about a successful conclusion.
Whilst our previous offices had served us well for some time, the standard that was latterly being provided was below the levels we expect, and we were recommended to Glinsman Weller to advise us on relocation. Together we looked at a range of possibilities and finally settled on a fully managed option which was something we had not previously considered. Because Richard had identified the property whilst construction works were still being undertaken and before it formally came to the market, we were able to agree a range of amendments to the specification to suit our particular requirements.
Richard and Paul have worked with Dorrington on many occasions over the years, either as our regular letting agents for a particular property we own in Marylebone or acquiring from us on behalf of occupiers. We have always valued both the energy and enthusiasm they have brought to each project and the quality of advice they provide.
When we took the decision to relocate the business and take a formal lease, we were recommended to Glinsman Weller as people who specialise in these types of situations. Together, we inspected a wide range of possibilities before focussing on one particular property in the heart of Fitzrovia that ideally suited our requirements. Once Heads of Terms were agreed, Richard worked closely with our lawyer to bring about a successful outcome.