w.a.ellis - our home ground

Share with us the properties of London.

Contents

Chapter 1 An Introduction p.3 Chapter 2 Sales and Acquisitions p.4Chapter 3 Development and Investment p.9 Chapter 4 Lettings and Property Management p.10 Chapter 5 Valuation p.17 Chapter 6 Building Surveying and Refurbishment p.20 Chapter 7 From our Portfolio p.24 Chapter 8 Our People p.32 Chapter 9 Beyond Property p.36Chapter 10 Foreign Affairs and Finance p.38

2 | Our Home Ground

Holland Park

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Despite economic uncertainties and tax fears last autumn, central London continues through 2013 to be a sanctuary for property investment and a delightful city in which to live.

Each year we set out in our brochure why we remain London’s foremost boutique agent and in January 2013 we were delighted to be listed in The Daily Telegraph’s top 20 small agencies nationwide.

Whether you are buying, selling, renting or letting a property in prime London, we have been serving people like you for almost one and half centuries. We work with properties from a pied-à-terre in Kensington to a penthouse apartment in a top-end new development, a many-bedroomed house in a garden square or a typical Chelsea cottage by the river.

Our independence meets your exact needs, unlike a generic brand that aims to be all things to all people wherever they are. We are dedicated to a single but unique geographic area, and we know more about it than anyone else.

Our part of central London is a property hotspot and with good reason everyone wants a piece of it. The market is increasingly competitive, and to make the most from your property, you need your wits about you.

We know these streets: we know who buys here, sells here, rents here, who owns the large estates and we have worked with a vast number of the properties here, several times over, since we opened in 1868.

A multi award-winning market leader we are proud of all the services we offer under one roof. Alongside sales

and acquisitions, development and investment and lettings and property management, we have a renowned valuation team as well as an in-house building surveying and refurbishment division. Each department comprises highly experienced professionals to help you with every property issue and often our clients work with more than one team at a time.

Our valuation specialists may advise you on lease extension while our refurbishment team works to maximise your return from the market. Purchasers too will come back to us for initial refurbishment work. They've experienced our high service levels which give peace of mind without having to risk using un-tested contractors when new to the area.

Besides offering market-leading professionals, part of being a boutique firm is providing the personal touch. If you telephone us you absolutely will not be passed from pillar-to-post – you will know the partner you are speaking to and he or she will know you and your property. Our 24/7 personal telephone service ensures you can reach us out of standard working hours if you would like to.

As Senior Partner since 2011, I’m proud of our reputation as a progressive firm: we will only give you direct, honest and clear advice which you can rely on; everyone can inflate values to win business, but this approach does not help our customers plan or engender trust. We know what the market is doing because we live and breathe it every day. Our aim is to get you the best results and I am confident the drive, commitment and expertise of each team member achieves just that.

W.A.Ellis started as a family firm, and it

still has that feel. We are all partners in it, loyal to the company and want it to do well.

Running a rigorous staff training programme and quality management service as well as regular in-house seminars for professional development and RICS accreditation ensures we are ahead of the game. We know that strategic development and investment in our staff is integral to our business.

We also enjoy a dynamic approach to social and environmental concerns with key charities chosen by staff annually and fundraising projects to engage clients and friends as well. Do read more about this year’s causes on page 37.

Each of our partners is a recognised expert in this industry, and over the past few years I have served as President of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), board director of CLEA (Central London Estate Agents), director of NFoPP (National Federation of Property Professionals), director of Lonres, and a trustee of EAF (Estate Agency Foundation).

I very much hope that if we’re not helping you already, we can do so this year.

Lucy Morton, 2013 Senior Partner [email protected]

Chapter 1

An Introduction

4 | Our Home Ground

Selling a property with W.A.Ellis is straightforward and rewarding. Longevity in our area sets us apart with an average of no less than 21 years’ experience each across the team. We know the area and the people in it, the search agents, and the investment landlords whose focus is here.

Experience brings strength but our size makes us flexible, our approach is progressive and our service levels are second to none.

If you are looking to buy a property in this hugely sought-after area we know what’s coming on the market often before the search agents do. We know every street, down to which side gets the afternoon sun and which has a tube line running beneath it.

It’s a competitive market and we know it inside out.

Where our buyers come from:

Relationships built over many years with developers both large and small, off-shore trusts and international investors ensure we know who to call with each different property.

Our portfolio always appeals to a City audience and we market directly to the financial district.

Overseas purchasers are vital and our success in international sales (75% in the last quarter at the time of writing) is down to our bonds with relocation and search agents, the most influential of whom we’ve had as colleagues in the past.

We work with associates overseas and our partnership with the international property portal Te Atrium ensures we reach any foreign investor in the unlikely event we’re not already talking to them.

Our website is optimised to make it easy for the purchaser to find exactly what they’re looking for where they want it. We see as many registrations on our website as we do viewing requests through the portals; purchasers in our area want to be matched to W.A.Ellis properties directly.

Substantial press coverage, blogs, monthly newsletters and the increasingly influential social media continues to grow our following and targeted networking at events and within our own private hospitality facilities build further these vital investor relations.

Chapter 2

Sales andAcquisitions

Thank you for your consistently accurate and honest reporting of the property market, we value your sensible approach and honesty even in the toughest of markets.

Mr and Mrs Cooney, Eccleston Square

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Harrods

Chapter 2 – Sales and AcquisitionsCase studies

Always worth asking

Ears to the ground – and basement

When instructed on two one bedroom flats in the same Pont Street building we couldn’t anticipate the activity to come.

The basement sold quickly and the ground floor went under offer soon afterwards with another agent at the asking price of £835,000. Days later an overseas investor entered the fray through W.A.Ellis and offered an additional £200,000.

While gazumping is an uncomfortable practice all sales agents are committed to obtain the best price for their vendor and we ensured the higher value contracts were exchanged immediately.

The story could have ended there with two happy buyers, two happy vendors and ourselves as happy agents – albeit with one slightly unhappy near purchaser and agent in the equation.

But so pleased was our Middle-Eastern buyer with the location that he suggested we might look out for another property for him, possibly in the same building.

In many cases we are retained by clients to act on their behalf in a finding capacity. Our relationships with those who buy and sell property regularly in the area ensure we know who to approach to buy at the right price for the purchaser, while avoiding conflict of interest with our sales team's focus on the interests of our vendors.

While we knew the lady who had purchased the basement in this popular Pont Street block was happy with her flat we realised that our retaining client would reap rewards from having the basement and ground floor flats in the same building and it was definitely worth our approach.

Two months later we were pleased to complete the transaction at not a huge amount more than the lady had paid initially. It still gave her a rapid and significant return on her investment not least because acting in an acquisition capacity our fee was paid by the purchaser.

Our client now has two lovely flats in the same building which his family use on a regular basis. He is grateful to us for having created the opportunity and for guiding him through the complex and uncertain journey of original purchase and retained finding to a very satisfactory conclusion.

Instruction, retraction, solution, completion

We were instructed by a property developer in June 2012 to sell a beautifully finished house in Thurloe Close. Marketed confidently it went to informal tender within three weeks.

The bid, substantially above the asking price of £3,950,000, was won by an overseas family who would live there when in London.

An exchange of contracts took place and completion was set for a six week time frame but, a month after exchange, the buyers stated that although contractually obliged they no longer wished to proceed with the purchase and would therefore need to forfeit the 10% exchange monies.

Rapidly we contacted the under-bidder from the tender and explained if they moved quickly there was an opportunity to buy the house at the first buyer’s price

to meet the vendor’s expectations which they agreed to do. Exchange took place on 15th August and completion two weeks later.

The whole process from original instruction took less than three months. The developer sold the house above his asking price, the original purchaser was saved from being forced to complete or losing almost £400,000 plus lawyers and agent fees. The originally disappointed buyer was very happy to have completed after a second bite of the cherry.

8 | Our Home Ground

Computer generated image of Jermyn Street façade

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Our well-established team provides a full range of development and investment services.

With a reputation for high investment values we assist developers from the initial concept stages through to disposal, combining our technical expertise with an innovative style.

Our development consultancy advises on the best unit mix and layouts to suit the market and realise the maximum value from a project. We work closely with other departments in the partnership to ensure we give the most accurate, cost effective and value adding advice for all schemes.

2013 marks the launch of two exciting development projects, for which we have provided consultancy advice since planning application.

The Crown Estate's St James's Gateway development comprises an impressive mixed-use scheme bounded by Piccadilly and Jermyn Street.

W.A.Ellis is selling five stunning apartments on Jermyn Street and letting eleven more.

This year also sees our launch of eleven spectacular apartments for Great Portland Estates on Picton Place, adjacent to Selfridges and Oxford Street. The residential units form part of our client’s successful mixed-use Wigmore Street development.

From these institutional clients to small, boutique developers, we are experienced in a wide variety of central London schemes including small period conversions and large new-build developments.

Our investment arm has an enviable track record with portfolio sales in excess of £55 million in the last financial year.

We value, acquire and dispose of portfolios for clients including private trusts, banks, and pension funds. We pride ourselves on swift sales for optimum values and commitment to a project throughout its duration.

Chapter 3

Development and Investment

Wings of love

The Eros statue was erected as a monument to the philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury and has flown over Piccadilly for 120 years.

10 | Our Home Ground

Chapter 4

Lettings and Property Management

Our multi award-winning lettings team is led by Lucy Morton, the firm’s Senior Partner who was named earlier this year in The Daily Telegraph as “Queen of London’s rental market for 30 years”. Your rental investment could not be in safer hands.

Looking after and maximising the returns from clients’ most valuable assets is our business and we never forget it. Both property and tenants are looked after with the utmost attention to detail to ensure the best potential is realised.

Finding the right tenant is essential. Last year 77% of our tenants came from overseas. Our wide-reaching marketing strategy including our strong website with international targeting campaigns through Google as well as our relationships with City HR departments and relocation firms ensures we reach every potential tenant, wherever they are coming from.

Retaining tenants is as important and we have a very high rate of repeat occupants who enjoy the fact we look after them as well as we do their landlords. Everyone in our specialist tenancy management team is an individual member of ARLA and has completed the NFoPP Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management. This ensures they have constantly updated knowledge of the ever changing legalities in the sector.

It is rare to find an agency where every individual in a team holds this qualification and is so experienced in guiding tenants and landlords through what can otherwise be a complicated procedure, not just at the beginning but throughout the term. Landlords take additional comfort from the level of detail we put into the checking and referencing process.

The lettings market changes week-by-week and, intuitive to market conditions, we give up-to-the-minute advice to ensure landlords receive the best rent with minimum void periods. Landlords who are looking to increase their portfolios benefit from our experience as we work closely with our sales and investment teams under the same roof.

We are known for letting the best properties central London has to offer and are well versed in discretion when dealing with business leaders, diplomats, celebrities and their agents who know we will work with them in confidence. As renting has become a long-term prospect for many more people than ever before, maintaining relationships and securing the right tenants at the right price is absolutely crucial to our business.

Lucy and her driven and loyal team are absolutely focused to ensure that every landlord and tenant receives a professional and personal service. While we have large numbers of rental properties on our books, our partnership style and realistic staffing levels ensure that numbers are immaterial and whether we are working for a private landlord renting out one property or a fund, off-shore trust or landed estate, every landlord receives one-to-one attention.

Chapter 4

Lettings and Property Management

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Prime chime

Big Ben was cast on 10th April 1858 making it 151 years old, just a decade ahead of W.A.Ellis.


Chapter 4 – Lettings and Property Management

“Judges described the agency as a benchmark for the industry, praising its in-depth understanding of landlord and clients’ needs and high expectations”*

As the average tenancy length has increased from two to three years since 2011, tenants have increasingly high expectations of the quality of properties and how they are maintained. In line with this we have seen a rapid increase in the requirement for our property management team.

Investor landlords want their property to be as appealing as possible in a competitive market place. Equally good presentation will achieve maximum returns and reputable management ensures costs are kept in proportion.

Our property managers sit alongside our lettings, refurbishment and accounts departments and these disciplines together make our overall portfolio management seamless. We have strict quality control over the gas, electrical and plumbing workforce we employ and secure preferential rates.

When a landlord owns the freehold of the building outright we’ll oversee all works carried out to common parts and any individual properties. Managing communal areas keeps tenants happy, increases yield and includes health and safety compliance. We also have sophisticated systems in place to ensure we’re ahead of changing legislation.

While maintenance providers offer a 24/7 service, they will, without fail, check the urgency of any situation before the landlord incurs an emergency fee. Our contractors know that trust on this matter is paramount.

Recently we have experienced single property landlords, who may have privately managed their properties before, increasingly turning to our team for advice. As a result we’ve created a menu of services available at individual fees for those needing specific parts of our offering.

*The Sunday Times and The Times Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2012

Property Management

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Forever Jung

“You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.” CG Jung

'Being' the differenceEach individual member of our team contributes to our success and enjoyment as a firm.

“Dear Catie, if tonight some big fat man kidnaps you and throws you into a sack, then please stay calm. Because many people would have asked Santa for a lovely helpful person like you! Thanks for all your help and support over the year.”

Old Swan Wharf tenant to Catie Gunning Christmas Eve 2012

“Thank you again for your excellent support during the process. I have most appreciated your work and efforts.”

Mount Street tenant, to James Wilson on new lease negotiations January 2013

“The flat was great but getting to know the two of you has made it special.”

Eaton Gate tenants about Catie Gunning and Vanessa Scott November 2012

“Many thanks W.A.Ellis we really appreciate your help getting the deal done.”

CEO Candy and Candy in regards to sales work by Jamie Burridge November 2012

“So helpful, efficient and courteous, it is a pleasure to do business with you all.”

Landlord, Melton Court with particular reference to Lucinda Skailes November 2012

“I would like to express my thanks and commend your staff for the efficient and excellent service I received. I hope we will be able to do business once again in the near future.”

Off–shore trust landlord to Lucy Morton November 2012

“You guys were great, nothing more to do. Robert Lewis was brilliant throughout.”

Purchaser, Thurloe Close in regards to Rob Lewis and the sales team October 2012

“It is a fantastic flat. Unfortunately we outgrew it and needed extra space but I must say we’ve never lived anywhere with such exceptional property management.”

Tenant, Drayton Gardens to the property management team October 2012

“You guys seem, as always, to be innovatively marching forward.”

A local estate agent to Lucy Morton January 2013

Property Management


Chapter 4 – Lettings and Property Management Case studies

From one to many

A firm favourite

We’ve been letting and managing one house in South Kensington for 23 years and without exception every department within the firm has acted for the owner during this time.

The current landlord purchased the house from us in 1990. After a short spell of living there he relocated overseas and decided to let it through W.A.Ellis – which has been the status quo ever since. We have been managing the tenancies on behalf of the owner for in excess of 15 years; all of the tenancies have been to high profile companies and all have been between three and six years.

Held on a lease with binding rent review clauses the house is situated on one of the larger central London estates. It is an onerous clause and the landlord was able to call on the services of our professional valuation team.

At the last review in 2010, acting on behalf of the lessee, we were able to agree more favourable rent review terms with the estate.

Since the most recent tenants vacated the house in December, at the time of writing (January) our refurbishment team has been overseeing works. The house will very soon be returned to the lettings market when the cycle will begin again – perhaps for another 23 years.

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Let well alone in South Kensington

After a ‘beauty parade’ of high calibre central London agents, in January 2012 W.A.Ellis was appointed as sole letting agent for South Kensington Estate’s residential portfolio. This instruction was particularly significant as we knew the client was initially looking to appoint two agents jointly.

We are responsible for continued high occupancy of all the flats and houses in the portfolio. Continued communication and feedback between us and our client, weekly marketing meetings and instant reporting of offers are paramount to our success and our relationship.

Marketing starts as soon as a tenant has given notice and void periods are kept to an absolute minimum.

Well managed in Notting Hill

As the result of a comprehensive mystery shopping exercise of local and brand agents the landlord of 20 properties across W8 and W11 appointed us to let and manage a cleverly varied portfolio. Our ability to react quickly and efficiently to maintenance issues and our 24/7 availability, with long standing and trusted contractors came out as key factors in the instruction as sole agent.

Taking over a significant portfolio is a substantial and rewarding job for all involved. Our primary objective is to establish a relationship with the tenants, address any outstanding issues and act upon these while familiarising ourselves with each property. Securing strong tenant relationships will always benefit the landlord, not least in timely rent payment. Within the first month of being instructed all tenants were paying their rent directly to us for our accounts system to ensure the landlord received payment on time.

With all managed portfolios we maximise yield through maintenance and works management which is fundamental in keeping voids to a minimum. We also regularly assist landlords in acquisitions to grow and complement their existing portfolio.


Bank of England

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The valuation team offers high-quality, residential valuation advice and is regarded as an authority in this specialist field.

Led by James Wilson, who co-authored the RICS book ‘Leasehold enfranchisement explained’, and who sits on the Leasehold Reform Working group on behalf of the RICS, our chartered valuation surveyors offer bespoke advice based on up–to–the–minute knowledge and decades of experience.

“…the tribunal preferred the evidence of Mr Wilson, who appeared to have greater experience of the Portman Estate and was also more familiar with the latest developments and decisions affecting the valuation of prime central London properties in general and the Portman Estate in particular” LVT - Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.

At W.A.Ellis we offer unrivalled market awareness, sophisticated technical ability and vast experience to clients

ranging from London’s largest and most influential estates, to private individuals with a single property.

All our clients receive the same high level of personal care, ensuring the negotiations in this sometimes contentious field are as smooth and trouble-free as possible.

Areas of expertise include:

• Leasehold enfranchisement (lease extensions and freehold purchases)

• Valuations in accordance with RICS valuation professional standards

•Valuations for tax purposes (including the new annual charge on £2,000,000+ residential property owned by ‘non-natural persons’)

• Bank lending (loan security)

• Rent review

• Portfolio investment appraisals

• Litigation (expert witness)

• Third party determinations

• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Chapter 5

Valuation

Bank Statement

The Bank of England was founded by a Scotsman, the Bank of Scotland was founded by an Englishman.

Chapter 5 – ValuationCase study

Advice in multiples

Valuation has always been core to W.A.Ellis’ professional repertoire. Clients and related parties often return for advice on multiple properties after initial dealings with the valuation team.

A good example is the first floor maisonette at 26 Onslow Gardens where Boyle & Co., prior to its merger with W.A.Ellis, was introduced to the client, Kin Too Holdings, initially via EFG Private Bank to provide loan security valuation advice on this and other properties.

Since then we have provided updated loan security advice and also been further consulted at various stages in respect of ground rent reviews and the acquisition of a statutory 90-year lease extension.

Our team has recently represented two separate lessees in acquiring 90-year lease extensions within the same building. There remains the potential to collectively acquire the freehold at some point in the future.

At various stages the client had sales and lettings opportunities on which W.A.Ellis has advised independently. In addition, we have provided further leasehold reform advice personally to our main contact at Kin Too Holdings.

Well, well, well! So you are merging with my favourite estate agent W.A.Ellis. Delighted to hear it.

Our client on announcement of the Boyle & Co. / W.A.Ellis merger


Throughout last year we saw a trend of clients choosing to refurbish property over moving. Significantly reduced contractor costs due to a lack of major construction projects saw clients adding considerable value to their home with relatively small investment. This continues through 2013.

Our in-house refurbishment and building surveying team is led by Peter Thatcher, a chartered building surveyor with over 25 years’ experience in the luxury central London market. Advising on complete refurbishment and remodelling including basements and new storeys, to party wall agreements, internal and external redecoration and defect diagnosis. We deal with contractors on a day-to-day basis and give our clients peace of mind that the work will be completed to the highest standard and at the agreed price.

Clients include private home owners looking to enjoy the added value to their home while they live there as well as single property and large portfolio investment landlords. We work on all the major London estates and understand the intricacies around listed and period buildings so we know what can and can’t be done.

Refurbishment of apartment blocks both internal and external not only protects our clients’ investments but it is often a lease requirement and our team is expertly and professionally placed to meet this obligation.

Crucially our experience and close relationships with our sales and lettings teams in the same building mean we know how far to go to maximise the return on investment which is commonly seen within a few months.

We have witnessed over and over again how adding capital and rental value makes all the difference in a market seeing a strong flight to quality.

Chapter 6

Building Surveying and Refurbishment

Putting a cork in it

The Dorchester hotel floors and ceilings were lined with compressed seaweed and the outside walls with cork as the latest technology in noise reduction in 1931.

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Chapter 6 – Building Surveying and Refurbishment Case studies

Value added

Derelict and desired

In December 2012 we refurbished a two bedroom flat in Sloane Street. The flat was completely overhauled including two new bathrooms and kitchen for a rate of circa £82 per sq ft (£890 per sq m). At the time of writing (January) our client is looking forward to re-launching this property in March at circa £1,000 per week, a 100% rise on its previous yield. Despite not yet being on the open market the flat is generating early interest.

Competing developers commonly apply a rate of £150 to £200 per sq ft for similar refurbishments but our contacts, longevity of relationships and multi-faceted business model ensures that at W.A.Ellis we can pass on the very best rates. Furthermore, the work was completed under budget and as we advised the client, within 10 weeks.

After

Before

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A double date

Sloane Square Tube station was opened on Christmas eve in 1868, the same year we opened our doors at W.A.Ellis.

Hampstead Heights

The exterior and interior refurbishment of a Hampstead apartment block saw a rapid turnaround in the fortunes of a number of vendors who had been trying to sell their properties in the block. On completion of the work flats which had been on the market for many months sold within weeks and in excess of asking prices.

The uplift in value generated by common parts repair can be astounding and we have had a number of other agents comment on the difference this refurbishment made to the successful sale and eventual price of the properties.

Chapter 7

From our PortfolioFrom charming mews houses to grand mansions, we have sold and let some of the finest properties across London’s prime residential addresses.

Focusing on the best houses and flats we are privileged not only to work with friendly and interesting clients but to witness the very best of contemporary and traditional style and what London as a home has to offer. Across the following pages are some of those we’ve recently enjoyed working on.

Bright and beautifulTrevor Place, Knightsbridge SW7

•5 Bedrooms •2 Bathrooms (1 en suite)•Drawing room•Dining room •Patio •Approx 2,070 sq ft (192 sq m)

Sold December 2012 Guide £4,325,000



Chapter 7 – From our Portfolio

Alluring aspectCadogan Square, Knightsbridge SW1

•2 Bedrooms •2 Bathrooms (en suite)•Dressing room•Drawing room •Terrace •Approx 1,888 sq ft (175.3 sq m)

Sold September 2012 Guide £4,750,000

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Contemporary meets GeorgianCliveden Place, Belgravia SW1W

•4 Bedrooms•4 Bathrooms (2 en suite)•2 Reception rooms•Dining room •Balcony •Approx 3,350 sq ft (311 sq m)

Sold November 2012Guide £5,950,000


Immaculately presentedQueen’s Gate Gardens, South Kensington SW7

•2 Bedrooms•1 Dressing area and bath / shower room (en suite)•Double reception room•Study •South-facing balcony•Approx 1,624 sq ft (150.87 sq m)

Sold July 2012 Guide £3,750,000


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Elegant, entertainingEnnismore Gardens, Knightsbridge SW7

•3 Double bedrooms•3 Bathrooms•3 Reception rooms•Kitchen / breakfast room•2 Patios•Approx 3,295 sq ft (306 sq m)

Let February 2013 Guide £3,250 per week



Fabulous for familyStokenchurch Street, Fulham SW6

•7 Bedrooms•7 Bathrooms•5 Reception rooms•Kitchen / breakfast room•Off-street parking •Approx5,102 sq ft (474 sq m)

Let July 2012 Guide £3,850 per week

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Chapter 8

Our People

Richard Barber Equity Partner Sales and Acquisitions

020 7306 1624 [email protected]

Peter Thatcher Partner Building Surveying and Refurb


Charlie Woods Partner Lettings


Tim des Forges Equity Partner Sales and Acquisitions


Giles Cook Partner Sales and Acquisitions


Frances Joyce Partner Valuation


Each member of our close-knit team is professional and approachable and happy to advise you on all aspects of your property.

Professional team

Oliver Gibson Associate Partner Development


Daniel Walmsley Associate Partner Valuation


Lucinda Skailes Associate Partner Tenancy Management


James Burridge Sales Negotiator Sales and Acquisitions


Vanessa Scott Associate Partner Property Management


Louise Bell Property Manager Property Management


Lucy Morton embodies everything which is excellent about our industry and her passion and vision is aspirational.

The Sunday Times and The Times Lettings Agency of the Year's 2011 Judges' report

Lucy Morton Senior Partner Lettings


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Karen Carpmael Partner Lettings and Development


Simon Coates Partner Valuation


Simon Godson Equity Partner Sales and Acquisitions


Daniel Wiggin Equity Partner Sales and Acquisitions


James Wilson Equity Partner Valuation


Robert Lewis Associate Partner Sales and Acquisitions


Kerry Morley Associate Partner Lettings


David Mills Associate Partner Lettings


Don Perry Chartered Surveyor Building Surveying and Refurb


Michael Maskens Associate Partner Tenancy Management


Angela Mercer Associate Partner Property Management


Sara Maloney Property Manager Property Management


Simon Green Sales Negotiator Sales and Acquisitions



Chapter 8 – Our People

Our invaluable support team

Emily Bramwell Property Assistant Sales and Acquisitions


Chrissy Boyle Valuation Assistant Valuation


Martina Casey Associate Partner Marketing and PR


Emily Black Tenancy Assistant Tenancy Management


Catie Gunning Property Manager Property Management


Lucy Jackson Tenancy Assistant Tenancy Management


Cheryl Pickett Tenancy Assistant Tenancy Management


Kirsty Halkett Accounts Administrator Finance


Mary Clark Valuation Assistant Valuation


Caroline Copland Director Marketing and PR


Marie Doyle Director HR and assistant to Senior Partner


Stephen Smith Director Partnership Secretary


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Linda Whitaker Department Assistant Refurbishment and Surveying


Katya Chong Associate Partner Information Technology


Oh, The grand old Duke of York

He had ten thousand men; He marched them up to the top of the hill, And he marched them down again.

Today, the Grand Old Duke of York stands on a granite column 120ft high at the end of Waterloo Place in Westminster.

Leyla Freeman-Thomas Receptionist Office Management


Lucinda McKee Property Assistant Sales and Acquisitions


Anthony Lee Associate Partner Finance


Our support team is truly exceptional, highly professional and passionate about our business. I am completely confident in each and every one of them and the benefit such a proficient group offers to our clients.

Lucy Morton, Senior Partner

A novel endeavour

Every Christmas morning since 1864 swimmers have competed across a 100 yard stretch of the Serpentine for the Peter Pan Cup inaugurated by J. M. Barrie.

Chapter 9

Beyond Property

Making a fundamental difference to our clients, our industry, our community and our environment is at the heart of our business model today.

St. James's Park


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If you are interested in finding out more about our events do call us or email [email protected] for more information.

Action Medical Research

AMR is the leading UK-wide medical research charity dedicated to helping babies and children. The WAE team along with friends and clients are participating in a number of fundraising events including The Plod this summer.

action.org.uk

Knightsbridge School Education Foundation

KSEF works closely with, but independently of, Knightsbridge School. It supports education projects in the north of the borough which ranks amongst the highest number of families living below the poverty line nationwide. The charity also funds scholarships and bursaries and assists in the building and development of facilities on site for the benefit of the wider community.

knightsbridgeschool.com

The Estate Agency Foundation

EAF is dedicated to helping eliminate the causes of homelessness. As a charity it brings together the whole Estate Agency industry to contribute to a major issue faced by all communities in the UK. The EAF raises funds from activities and events the proceeds of which will be distributed to established and recognised charities who work in relevant fields.

eafcharity.org

World's Biggest Coffee Morning

Not being able to resist any opportunity to entertain we continue to support the World’s Biggest Coffee morning each September. If you are signed up to our newsletter and blogs – await your invitation.

macmillan.org.uk

Recycling everything from light bulbs to cartridges including the donation of all out-dated technical equipment to third world countries we take environmental responsibility seriously.

Additionally each year, with input from everyone in the firm we choose charities to support. In 2013, Action Medical Research (AMR) and the Knightsbridge School Education Foundation (KSEF) have been selected alongside our continuing fundraising for the Estate Agents Foundation (EAF). For these causes we have exciting fundraising endeavours planned, both physical and creative, and we’re inviting our clients to join our teams along the way.

With over 70% of our tenants and 45% of our buyers coming from overseas last year we maximise our international connections.

It is long-standing relationships with relocation agents and finders that ensure we have the first introductions to buyers and tenants in the prime London market as well as our relationships with our overseas partners. We share knowledge, reciprocal property transactions and international marketing opportunities.

Warburg Realty

Enhancing the tradition of extraordinary service with cutting edge technology in marketing and media, Warburg Realty is an ideal New York-based partner for W.A.Ellis and best placed to represent your property in the US. Our London properties form part of the Warburg international offering.

warburgrealty.com

Groupe Mobilis

The team at Groupe Mobilis operates three luxury property agencies reaching across Paris and the suburbs. They also have a strong reputation for properties in the French Alps, Cote d’Azur and vineyards in the Bordeaux region. With London’s vibrant French quarter at the heart of our area our relationship with Groupe Mobilis ensures we reach a French audience.

groupemobilis.com

We also work with a number of translators to assist and smooth the sale, purchase, and rental processes for those whose first language is not English.

Chapter 10

Foreign Affairs and Finance

Paris


Operating as we do with very personal styles and an incredibly ‘can do’ approach we recommend to clients seeking property finance both Charles Cameron Associates and REF Capital.

Charles Cameron Associates

CCA works with complex needs of private clients and the team sources solutions through strong relationships with private banks and usually finding leverage not available on the high street.

ccameron.co.uk

REF Capital

REF Capital is a boutique operation based in Knightsbridge and working with clients from across the globe. Offering a particularly tailored service REF Capital has arranged finance for a number of our investors, both home buyers or landlords.

refcap.co.uk

waellis.co.uk | 39

Wilde about town

Oscar Wilde lived at no. 24 Tite Street, London SW3 but is buried in the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris.


W.A.Ellis LLP174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

+44 (0)20 7306 1600 [email protected]@waellis

All information correct at the time of going to print. We thank our clients for their participation.

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