James Barr heads south in hope of catching commercial property upturn

Published on Saturday 16 February 2008 14:08

JAMES Barr, the 130-year-old property consultancy, has made its first moves to establish a presence in England in preparation for an upturn in market activity.

The Glasgow-based firm has hired commercial agent David Nicholson, who is head of Lambert Smith Hampton in Newcastle, who will ultimately lead an office of up to 15 staff in the city, serving the north-east region.

The move is part of James Barr's expansion in a difficult commercial property climate. Eric Forgie, chief executive, admitted that these were "uncertain times" for property but said the firm was in good health with turnover likely to tip 5m in the financial year just ending, against 4.5m last time.

"We have been here before and there is still a lot of corporate activity going on," said Forgie. "None of our clients has pushed the red button yet on any projects we're working on. Our building surveyors are as busy as ever."

Forgie has led the chartered surveying, planning and architectural services firm since 2006 and has seen it develop as a wholly owned independent since the management buyout from Aim-listed Herring Baker Harris in 1994 in a deal backed by 3i.

The firm has grown its Edinburgh office and opted to move south to meet the demands of clients. Newcastle should be operational by May. Forgie said: "This is another important milestone in the strategic expansion plans for our business."

Elsewhere, James Barr has also been making moves to grow its Edinburgh office at Atholl Exchange.

Barry Butchart has joined from King Sturge London and will work alongside commercial planning director Alex Mitchell.

The Canning Street office has undergone rapid expansion since it was established in 2005 – following the arrival of respected office head Graeme Davies.

Planning and agency have subsequently been added to its initial services of investment, asset management, building consultancy and business rates, making James Barr a major multi-disciplinary player on the city's property scene.

Forgie added: "We see plenty of opportunities emerging in the current unsettled market conditions and we will be looking to emulate in Newcastle what has been achieved in Edinburgh with a good deal of potential synergies already identified across our existing client base."