UK Garden Centre Investments
We have been involved in the garden centre sector for many years providing consultancy, capital markets and valuation advice for operators and banks.
We have worked with many of the leading operators gaining an understanding of trading issues and opportunities and we have been involved in the evolution of the sector into a recognised alternatives asset class.
As well as regular portfolio valuations for accounts and funding we have assisted operators in a number of multi million pound sale and backs and ground rent transactions. We have assisted many operators in development monitoring and refurbishment as the sector evolves into retail and leisure assets.
Experienced horticultural property experts
We have worked with key horticultural operators over a number of years including Country Gardens, Garden & Leisure, Country Homes & Gardens, Blooms, Wyevale and Blue Diamond providing project & development management and asset valuation, sale and lease back and consultancy advice.
We have undertaken portfolio valuation projects for operators including Wyevale (now sold), Dobbies, Blue Diamond and Hillview. We work closely with key funders such as Barclays, HSBC and RBS.
Our Expertise
- Valuation
- Building Consultancy
- Project Management
- Lease Advisory
- Rating
- Capital Markets
Our services
Valuations
We have valued trading garden centres for key operators including Dobbies, Blue Diamond, Wyevale (now sold), Hillview and Squires as well as a number of small independent traders. We have an understanding of the trading nature of sites and the key elements which affect the trading potential. We are able to benchmark trading data and performance against other trading assets valued within the group including hotels, care facilities, marinas and roadside uses.
Business rates
We are part of a consortium of leading rating agents responsible for negotiating the National Valuation Basis for this class of property with the Valuation Office Agency. We were appointed sole business rates advisers to Wyevale in 2009 and generated business rates savings in excess of £1.8 million on the 2010 Rating List alone. In addition, we previously provided a full rate payment service across all 150+ sites and advised on all matters that affected the business rates liabilities.
Asset management
The Corporate Asset Management team was appointed by Wyevale in 2009 to establish and maintain a comprehensive database of their properties, the contents of which were accessible via a secure web portal. Subsequent projects included an in-depth review of c485 concessionary leases to ensure that the Service Charge, Utilities and Insurance recoveries match the provisions of the various leases. We previously provided full property management and treasury services at both Bicester Avenue and Northampton (Wootton) Garden Centres.
Project management
We have been involved in a number of Garden Centre redevelopment and extension projects ranging in contract values between £1-2 million. We have provided full Project Management services including preparing design briefs, assembling design teams, advising on procurement options and contract administration services of the works once on site. We have undertaken feasibility studies to ensure works are carefully planned to mitigate disruption to the business during the works.
Building consultancy
Acting on behalf of a number of garden centre operators, we have undertaken a full range of building consultancy services including pre-acquisition building surveys, condition surveys, planned preventative maintenance schedules and insurance reinstatement assessments. We have also advised on dilapidations and lease exit strategies.
Capital Markets
We have been involved in a number of investment transactions within the sector including Sale and Leasebacks as well as Ground Rent transactions for both investors and owner occupiers. Transactions have involved LaSalle Investment Management, CBREi KFim , OLIM Asset Management as well as Wyevale Garden Centres (Garden & Leisure and Blooms) and Dobbies.