Smithers Leatherhead

Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services business with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. Read more about the process we underwent in a race against time to identify and secure a suitable building for Smithers before their lease ran out.

The challenge

We were appointed to advise Smithers in relation to the relocation of one of their laboratory and testing facilities in Leatherhead, Surrey. Due to an impending lease expiry, we were working against the clock to identify and secure a suitable building that met the business’s needs in terms of location, size, layout and configuration.

 

Our approach

Take a closer look at our agile approach to the challenge, which culminated in the best possible outcome delivered in a timely fashion:

  • Establishing the client’s specific property requirements.
  • Undertaking a comprehensive market search for on- and off-market marketing, building opportunities by deploying our expert knowledge and comprehensive contacts base.
  • Identifying alternative solutions due to the lack of available options – which resulted in Cetech House in Cleve Road, Leatherhead, a one-acre development site capable of accommodating a brand-new state-of-the-art testing facility being shortlisted. 
  • Negotiating a subject to planning purchase of the freehold. 
  • Deploying a multidisciplinary team from across Curchod & Co, including planning consultants, building surveyors, development consultants and valuation surveyors, to perform a full range of due diligence.
  • Successfully gaining planning permission and completing the purchase of the development site.

The result

We successfully secured a one-acre development plot, which would enable Smithers to build out a purpose-built testing facility within the timescales set. Subsequently, we acquired a second freehold property: Olympus House on Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, a 24,000 sq ft office/lab building which was ready to occupy without a lengthy construction delay. As a result of the Olympus House acquisition, we were instructed to dispose of Cetec House, which we were fortunately able to achieve at a significant premium.



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JUST SOME OF OUR HAPPY CLIENTS

Having worked on both sides of the fence with and for Curchod & Co I can confirm that they run an efficient, friendly business and are very experienced and tenacious.



Helen Hill – Solve Planning Ltd

We have developed excellent working relationships with Nick at the team over the last 20 years.  They provide excellent advice and are very knowledgeable of the market.



Lewis Trevellyan – Trevellyan Developments Ltd

Huge thanks to David Bowen for his unwavering commitment to the Henley Business Park scheme from the outset ensuring a highly successful and profitable development.

Nick Kay – Development Director, St Modwen PLC

Curchod & Co have represented QinetiQ to market the Cody Technology Park since 2009 and during this time have consistently delivered a high level of service.



Philip Holmes – Senior Estates Survey, QinetiQ