16 February 2015
Leading Leicestershire commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell is merging with local agent James Blenkin and Partners, in a move designed to drive on-going expansion.
The merger and new recruits will provide a broader combined business environment and resource for clients, adding further expertise to the extensive range of commercial property services already on offer.
Established in Leicester for nearly 150 years, Andrew and Ashwell is among the largest independent commercial property specialists in the East Midlands, working across the industrial, retail, office, leisure and licensing sectors.
James Blenkin is joining Andrew and Ashwell’s London Road office and will continue to serve his current client base, focusing on management and professional services, for a range of owner-managed and private businesses in the Midlands and London, with property interests throughout the UK.
With over 40 years’ experience of the property market, James has spent much of his career in Leicester. He began as a trainee surveyor with Spencers in 1967, working with several local estate agencies before launching his own business in 1975. For the past 30 years he has specialized in commercial property, in particular, commercial asset management, agency and landlord and tenant work.
James said his clients would benefit from Andrew and Ashwell’s higher market profile, combined with the resource of a larger organisation.
“I am delighted to be joining the team at Andrew and Ashwell and contributing to the extensive expertise the firm has at its disposal. I am particularly looking forward to providing clients with the continued high level of service they are will receive with this renowned local firm.”
The arrival of James Blenkin boosts the surveying team at Andrew and Ashwell to eight specialists, with another new addition, Tom Meynell, joining Andrew and Ashwell this month, as Associate Director, from Loughborough-based Mather Jamie.
Tom brings 15 years’ experience in commercial property agency and management to the firm. He had worked for Mather Jamie since leaving Sheffield Hallam University, where he gained a BSc (Hons) degree in Urban Land Economics in June 2002. He obtained RICS membership in December 2003.
“As a progressive agency Andrew and Ashwell provides exciting opportunities within the current market, which is looking brighter than for several years,” said Tom.
Andrew and Ashwell Director, Malcolm Grayson, said:
“We welcome both James and Tom to Andrew and Ashwell at a time when demand for commercial property is improving.
“This is partly in response to increasing demand, but also due to limited supply. No new development has taken place since 2007 and the market is crying out for new schemes that will help local firms expand and move forward.
“Being in a position to strengthen our team enables us to capitalise on upward market trends and extending services in line with what we are confident will be expanding economic growth.”