Matthew Bennett, Corporate Services Manager
As an international financial centre, London attracts a constant flow of professionals relocating for work. But what is it like to look for a temporary home in the capital? And what types of properties are suitable for corporate tenants?
Our Corporate Services Manager Matthew Bennett gives us some advice on the process and answers some of the frequently asked questions about this service.
Tell us about your department…
Putting it simply, we provide a professional home-finding service to companies and relocation agencies looking to relocate employees to London for work purposes. We serve as a link, as it were, between companies, relocation agencies and lettings agents, to make sure that the whole process runs smoothly. We also ensure landlords and tenants are protected and comply with the latest industry regulations.
We work closely with our lettings teams to provide corporate tenants with local knowledge and offer a wide selection of available properties. After all, we have 62 offices throughout London and the Home Counties, with each office’s team being experts in their area.
"We serve as a link between companies, relocation companies and lettings agents"
The majority of professionals looking to relocate are moving to London for the first time, knowing very little about the capital and being unfamiliar with its environment and demographics. So we act in an advisory capacity and provide on-going support and assistance, acting as a single point of contact for the tenants for the duration of the tenancy. We also advise corporate tenants to rent a managed property to make sure that they’re well looked after and any issues are resolved promptly and efficiently.
Are there any special requirements for a landlord to let a property to a corporate tenant?
From a landlord’s perspective, the process of letting to a corporate tenant is no different than letting to any other type of tenant. It is, however, an exclusive opportunity to access a niche part of the market which only well-established, larger agencies can offer.
There is nothing more important to a landlord than making sure that a tenant looks after their property, and corporate tenants are considered amongst the highest-quality tenants. Every corporate tenant has their own requirements, expectations and budget, which means that there is a wide variety of properties which could be suitable for such tenants. Corporate tenants are also often prepared to pay a premium on the property.
What types of companies is this service suitable for?
"In 2015, we worked with 350 companies and found homes for 850 corporate tenants"
Over half of our clients to date are banks and financial companies, but we also help institutions such as hospitals, schools and universities looking to house their employees on a temporary basis. Being one of a few agencies to specialise in short lets means that we also work with insurance companies providing temporary accommodation to their clients in an unfortunate event of flooding or a fire in their home.
What is the department’s biggest achievement to date?
Well, the fact that we were the very first estate agent to introduce this service 15 years ago is a great legacy to live up to! Every year we are aiming to surpass yet another milestone – in 2015, we worked with over 350 companies, 85 relocation agencies and found homes for over 850 corporate tenants, which is a fantastic benchmark for the department to work towards this year.
For more information or a friendly advice on Corporate Services, get in touch with Matthew and his team.
