Tenant Advisory Group (‘TAG’), the first commercial property consultancy of its kind in the UK, has been officially launched in Manchester. Founded by Martyn Markland the former Head of NB Real Estate’s Manchester office, the multi-disciplinary firm is unique as it works exclusively for tenants.
By acting purely in the interests of occupiers, TAG reverses the trend for property consultancies to predominately serve the interests of landlords. As TAG’s founder Martyn Markland explains, “our sole focus is on helping SME’s achieve better value from commercial property so they can increase their profits and drive growth for the benefit of themselves and the economy as a whole.”
According to Bob Agnew, Property Partner at Croftons Solicitors LLP, “Martyn’s raison d’etre is clear, and very much of its time – to secure preferential terms for his business tenant clients.”
Having achieved successful outcomes for Irwell Valley Housing Association, Action Claims & Mortgages Ltd and Singleton Clamp & Partners, TAG recently acquired offices in Barnett House, 53 Fountain Street, Manchester. It offers a full range of property services including search & acquisition, lease renewals, building surveying and business rates.
According to Markland, SME’s often fail to obtain best value from commercial property, “owner-managers are often sceptical about property advisors and who can blame them when they appear to act mainly in the interests of landlords and not tenants. However, it is difficult to negotiate on equal terms with landlords and their agents unless you are engaged in the market on a day to day basis. By aligning our interests with the tenant we believe we can provide SME’s with better access to the market and better outcomes especially in lease renewal and relocation negotiations.”