Elsworth was created by Jeremy Gilbert to serve the specific property needs of office occupiers.

We recognise that, first and foremost, any office property must meet the objectives of the business and the market within which it operates. It is however essential that the long and short term occupational costs are carefully managed, together with the wider risks associated with holding leasehold or freehold office premises.

The company was established in 1996 but has more recently traded as Elsworth from the present address.

Our Services

Acquisition

This is the most important stage to get things right. Every other service we offer will be influenced by good or bad decisions made at the acquisition stage. We aim to help our clients make good decisions that they will have no later cause to regret. The widely supported 2007 Lease Code serves to protect the tenants interests throughout the acquisition process.

Break Options

For as long as upward only rent reviews exist (they show no immediate signs of going away) break options can offer a convenient escape route. There are of course many other reasons why a tenant may choose to terminate when the opportunity presents itself. Break options need to be handled very carefully as things can go horribly wrong. Early advice is essential.

Dilapidations

The commitment towards repair and reinstatement at the end of a lease is something often under-estimtated when the premises are acquired. Where we have the opportunity to prevent a client from entering into future commitments that are unfair or unduly onerous we will do so. Where called upon to advise on existing dilapidation commitments we will do our utmost to mitigate the liability.

Disaster Recovery

Sometimes the unthinkable needs to be carefully considered. Businesses can be wiped out by events that could have been anticipated. We can help to identify the risks and potential property solutions that will enable life to continue.

Disposal

Surplus property is an unwelcome burden to any business representing a drain on both financial and management resources. Empty rates has only worsened the situation. We will actively explore all opportunities to curtail the burden whether through subletting, assignment, break options or a surrender transaction with the landlord. We will work with you to manage the entire exit strategy on the least painful terms.

Energy Management

Carbon Reduction Commitment is not a passing trend and commercial property is seen as one of the worst offenders. We can no longer take energy resources for granted or expect to occupy office buildings that fail to take this into consideration. Through our relationship with specialist consultants we will ensure that our clients whether large or small office occupiers are aware of and comply with their obligations.

Lease Expiry

Shall we stay or shall we go? You may of course not have the choice or acceptable terms may not be offered. Some tenants hold security of tenure (through ‘protected leases’) whilst others do not (through ‘contracted out leases’). That can make a big difference to the negotiating position at the end of the lease. The rest is down to market conditions and negotiating skill. We can steer you through all of this.

Rating

We have tried many times over the years to make rating sound exciting - that just isn’t possible. We can provide you with as much detail as you want to hear or alternatively you can leave us to ensure that every avenue is explored to minimise the amount of business rates you pay.

Rent Review

Most commercially minded landlords (how many have you met that aren’t?) will constantly look for ways to maximise their rental income. That will generally be one of their fundamental business objectives and they will employ specialist advice in pursuit of this. We can offer to make this a fairer contest through our wide market knowledge and experience in such negotiations.

Service Charge

Service Charge provisions are often perceived as a blank cheque for the landlord to spend money for the benefit of its own building. In reality they peform a useful function in delivering essential services but the interests of both landlord and tenant need to be kept in balance. The RICS has recognised this through the publication of the Service Charge Code. In acquiring property we will endeavour to protect our clients interest throughout the duration of the lease. When called upon to advise on existing situations we will ensure that the landlords charges do not extend beyond those permitted by the lease.

Valuation

A written valuation report may be required for a variety of reasons. Borrowing to purchase a property and statutory accounts are two of the most common. We are accustomed to providing such valuations at short notice under the strict procedural requirements of the RICS 'Red Book'.