CPBigwood celebrated the doubling in size of its Stratford-upon-Avon office when the Lady Mayor Cllr Diane Walden officially declared the Union Street premises open with a toast to “Business in Stratford”.

Stratford office partner Simon Gibbs told guests and staff that the opportunity to double the frontage of their offices only came because of the success of another town business.

“The Fourteas tea room next door had become so successful that they took the opportunity to move the business to a larger location nearer to the RSC at the heart of the tourists trail, and their expansion gave us the opportunity to expand as well,” he said.

Senior partner Rory Daly said that CPBigwood had a history stretching back over 100 years in Stratford and he outlined how the business had grown, from a merger with Curry & Partners in 2011, with acquisitions of businesses in Leicestershire and Hampshire and the opening of an office in London, which coincidentally had also recently doubled in size.

“Despite what many have described as a challenging time for the property market in recent years, we have continued to invest in both people and our businesses.”

In the past 12 months, CPBigwood has grown from 135 staff to 185 and is committed to helping its young staff to grow, particularly through the apprenticeship programme run by the firm, he said.

“We congratulate the Stratford team on the way they have built the business in recent times – particularly in residential sales, and in residential lettings which is enjoying a boom period in Stratford and Henley.

“The story is not over and with these newly refurbished, spacious premises, we see Stratford office as continuing to grow – particularly in property management in which we are now a top ten UK firm,” he said.

CPBigwood offers the complete property service including commercial and residential agency, property management, valuations, auctions, agricultural, professional consultancy, building surveys and development and planning. The firm has seven offices in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Henley-in-Arden, Shepshed in Leicestershire, Eastleigh in Hampshire, and London.

A Birmingham business success story is spawning the chance for another entrepreneur to follow suit.

For over 20 years Midshire Business Systems, based at 95-97 Cato Street, Nechells, has been providing photocopiers, multi-functional printing machines, IT and telecommunication solutions for thousands of businesses nationwide.

But it is on the move having exhausted all of the space in the offices and warehouse after growing 15 per cent in just a year.

It has relocated its Midlands office to West Bromwich, creating extra jobs in the process.

Now its old site is being marketed by property agents CPBigwood.

Steve Bott, part of the commercial agency team at CPBigwood, said: “Midshire’s expansion is a good news story – now there is the opportunity for someone to step into their shoes and hopefully make their own mark.

“It is a prime opportunity in a busy business location – just right for someone with the same sort of drive and enthusiasm.”

The property comprises two interconnecting business units currently configured as offices for around 70 people.

The two storey building, which runs to 5,220 sq ft, also takes in warehousing and a large boardroom.

“It is suitable for a wide range of uses subject to the relevant planning permission,” said Mr Bott.

Offers in the region of £350,000 are being invited.

Property agents CPBigwood have appointed Rupy Jandu as senior property manager for London and the South East.

He joins from Hallmark Property Management where he was project manager dealing among other things with computer systems and health and safety procedures.

He previously worked for Connells Asset Management managing a team responsible for corporate sales of properties taken into receivership.

For 12 years he was an independent financial adviser dealing with high net worth individuals on all aspects of their finances.

He said: “I decided to join CPBigwood because of the opportunity to work for a forward thinking, client focussed property company that recognises we are managing people’s homes.

“By having a variety of services centrally located, we can promise an exceptional service to both clients and lessees/residents.

“What particularly excites me is the challenge of building the London presence/portfolio to make CPBigwood the first choice for a client looking for a managing agent.”

Ian Smallman, a CPBigwood partner in the firm’s property management department, said: “Rupy is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the property scene.

“We are very pleased he has agreed to join the London and South East team – I am sure he will prove a significant asset.”

Mr Jandu was educated at Nottingham Trent and Keele universities.

He also has something of a penchant for appearing on television, having featured in game show The Chase and quiz show Eggheads.

CPBigwood’s growing reputation as a national firm has been enhanced by its appointment by one of the UK’s leading fast fit firms.

HiQ has commissioned CPBigwood to seek out new sites the length and breadth of the UK.

The business currently has 120 sites and aims to grow to 250 by 2017 with 420,000 sq ft across the UK which it expects to increase to around 875,000 sq ft.

HiQ is the franchised fast fit arm of one of the world’s largest tyre companies, Goodyear Dunlop.

Steve Bott of CPBigwood’s commercial team said: “HiQ are looking to add to their current 120 national locations.

“We are seeking roadside locations, for preference, and buildings of 2,500-10,000 sq ft.

“Retail locations and trade parks will be considered, as will development sites and new buildings.

“HiQ are also prepared to share with complementary businesses where there is a good fit.”

Best known for tyre sales, HiQ now offers MOTs, servicing, exhausts, brakes and batteries.

Steve Bott said: “Goodyear Dunlop is a global, multi-national company with ambitions national expansion plans and a straighforward commercial approach.

“This means they are able to give quick decisions on sites offering a ten year lease, subject to suitable terms, or may even consider outright purchase.”

CPBigwood senior partner Rory Daly said: “This is another indication of the firm’s growing national reputation as we spread out from our four offices in the West Midlands, with three more in Leicestershire, Hampshire and London.

“We hope to build on the confidence of HiQ in appointing us and announce further national names in the near future.”

In the Midlands and Wales, HiQ are looking for sites in Gloucester, Leicester, Newport, north Birmingham, Solihull and Swansea.

They are also on the hunt for further locations across the north of England, the south of England and Scotland.

Property agents CPBigwood have completed two lettings on Key Business Park at Erdington.

Insignia Exports and EPMS 2010 Ltd, both in the small and medium sized firms category, have taken space at the complex off Kingsbury Road, near the A38.

Insignia Exports, a new business involved in storing and distributing white goods, is moving into 3,100 sq ft Unit 5.

EPMS 2010 Ltd, specialising in electromagnetic, power and mechanical solutions, agreed a deal for 2,900 sq ft Unit 18, switching round the corner from Kingsbury Road.

Rob Watts, part of the commercial agency team at CPBigwood, said: “It is always good to see small firms doing well.

“It is symptomatic of how confidence is improving in the wake of the economic recovery.

“Key Business Park is well located near to central Birmingham and close to the motorway network. Rents are attractive – from £4.50 per sq ft and with flexible letting terms.

“That makes it very popular, particularly with SMEs.”

The lettings mean just two out of the 18 units remain available. CPBigwood are the sole agents.

A firm of Stratford-upon-Avon architects has expanded into new premises with help from property agents CPBigwood and Tim Cox Associates.

Eight-strong Studio Spicer Architects has moved to 7 Mansell Street from the town’s Rother Street.

Founder and managing director Oliver Spicer said: “Following the successful commission of a number of new projects we have expanded to ensure we are able to deliver these and provide the high quality of service our clients have becomeaccustomed to.”

The firm is winning work across a range of sectors – residential, listed buildings, education and offices – as the economy continues to improve.

From a start-up practice launched just over four years ago, the business is now a vibrant and innovative design concern typically carrying out projects ranging from £250,000 to £45 million in construction value.

“It is both new build and existing buildings that we sensitively create and remodel,” said Mr Spicer.

“We are pleased with the progress the business is making, and for the style and quality of work being carried out within the practice, creating exceptional new buildings and public spaces along with the added commercial value we bring,” he said.

Mr Spicer is a Birmingham City University graduate, who started out with global Amec Group, then worked for the award-winning D5 Architects, before setting up the practice in Stratford-upon-Avon.

CPBigwood partner Graham Carter said: “It is good to see such a quality professional firm growing fast.

“It hasn’t been around for long but it is an example of what hard work can achieve. Growth businesses are the future for Stratford; I am sure we will see others too taking advantage of better economic times.”

CPBigwood let the premises jointly with Tim Cox Associates on behalf of the landlord.

Generous staff at property agents CPBigwood have been counting up their 2013 charity effort.

The two charities nominated by staff as their charities for the year were The Albion Foundation and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation who received £913.58 each out of the £1,827.16 which was raised through dress down days, a charity staff quiz and other events.

The Albion Foundation is a registered charity that works in partnership with West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

The aim is to use the medium of football and the kudos of West Brom to make a difference in the local community.

Birmingham-based CLDF battles childhood liver disease, providing information, emotional support, research funds and a voice for all affected.

Over the year CPBigwood have helped to raise over £50,000 directly and indirectly across all fund raising activities which included individual efforts such as marathons and sky dives for people’s own chosen charities, company donations and charity auctions conducted by senior partner Rory Daly and partner Graham Carter.

The various charity auctions and charity golf days raised money for The Lord Taverners; Cure Leukaemia; Lion Heart; Birmingham Children’s Hospital; St Mary’s Hospice; Conductive Education and Midlands Air Ambulance from the firm’s own CPBigwood Annual Charity Golf Day.

CPBigwood head of marketing Sue Randell said: “Charity and helping those less fortunate is really important to our staff.

“The example is set from the top and runs throughout the organisation.

“It is important that we do our bit, and it gives everyone a boost. Hopefully we can achieve the same or better in 2014.”

Stuart Burridge has joined property agents CPBigwood as asset and compliance manager in the risk management department.

Mr Burridge arrives from Mainstay Group where he worked for nearly seven years, latterly as asset integration manager.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining CPBigwood.

“It is a company with genuine interest and a commitment to invest in their employees and their personal progression. I am looking forward to adding my experience to the wider company and enhancing the level of service to our clients.

“This is a role within the business providing an exciting and rewarding challenge.

“CPBigwood is growing fast, employing key staff members ahead of expansion, and it is nice to be part of that. It is a genuine property management company where everyone shares the same focus, enthusiasm and understanding, with excellent customer service provided with a personable approach by knowledgeable staff.”

Peter Jordan, senior risk management coordinator, said: “It is good to have Stuart on board.

“He is an experienced operator with lots of ability. He will, I am sure, prove a significant asset.”

More staff at property agents CPBigwood have become exam winners.

Kerry Shugar and Matt Harris, from the firm’s residential service charge department, successfully passed Part 2 of the Institute of Residential Property Management exams.

The move also entitles them to call themselves Associates of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Kerry started her property career at Waterloo Housing but has worked for CPBigwood for the last seven years.

She currently manages a large portfolio covering the Birmingham and Solihull areas, stretching to Stourport-on-Severn. Her role involves all aspects of property management from site inspections to preparation of budgets.

Matt helps manage on a day to day basis approximately 1,100 units in a portfolio spanning the Midlands and down to Devon.

He has been with CPBigwood for nearly four years after experience with Phipps and Pritchard and Mainstay. And he also has good knowledge of the building trade having worked for Persimmon Homes and David Wilson Homes.

Karen Combellack, partner in the residential service charge department, said: “I congratulate Kerry and Matt – it is well deserved.

“CPBigwood is very focused on encouraging staff to expand their knowledge and gain qualifications. It is a strategy which is embraced by the team.”

CPBigwood’s commitment to apprentices has paid off, with a regular stream of new talent being taken on.

Launched in autumn 2012 as something of an experiment, the project has proved a resounding success.

The two “guinea pigs”, Joseph Scully and Alison Scoble, completed their training and were both hired full-time.

Joseph, from Castle Bromwich, went into the general accounts team, assisting with sales ledger, purchase ledger and credit control operations. He is now a sales ledger/credit controller.

Alison, from Solihull, was placed in the credit control department. She is now a credit controller.

Since then, Jack Odell and Zafreen Merchant have taken the same path, property assistant and residential service charge accounts assistant respectively.

Managing partner Nigel Curry said: “We are thrilled with the way the scheme has worked out and the application and commitment from all the young people in the process of grabbing their opportunity.

“We were very keen to give those struggling to get on the employment ladder a chance. It is fair to say we were a little unsure how it might work out but it got our full commitment, was appraised along the way, and its success has been heart-warming for all of us.

“I must pay tribute to staff whose mentoring and encouragement of sometimes pretty raw recruits has been exemplary. But I must also praise the youngsters themselves for their determination and hard work. They are the future of the firm and proving a significant asset.”

Following in the footsteps of Joseph and Alison are apprentices Lee Breeze, credit control/ purchase ledger; Chantelle Wellington, credit control; Anthony Gordon, property management; Isabelle Clewer, residential service charge; Alexander Dickson, IT; and Danielle Walton, data entry clerk for training and compliance.

CPBigwood operates its apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Protocol Consultancy Services.

Award-winning Protocol has 15 staff and a team of part time consultants servicing 60 employers on its books, of which CPBigwood is now one of the biggest in terms of starters.

Indeed such has been the success of the relationship and the high regard in which the property agents are held, there is hot competition between the students to get picked up by the firm.

Jodie Johnson, accounts service manager, a leading mentor, said: “The link has worked well and I am confident many more will be taken on via this productive route.

“It has been lovely to see them find their feet, progress and achieve.”

Louise Fassnidge has joined property agents CPBigwood as technical manager.

A member of the Institute of Residential Property Management and an associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, she joins from Mainstay Group where she spent 13 years.

Technical manager for the past seven, she specialises in asset management, complex budget structures, legal structures and developing client relations in particular in the London area.

A mother of two, she said: “I was impressed with the genuine interest CPBigwood show in their employees and how keen they were to have my skill set on board to enhance their property team and national role.

“CPBigwood is a forward thinking company, looking to expand and grow.

“I am excited to be part of an expanding portfolio and helping to build a company where everyone has the same vision and understanding of the property industry. Customer service is at the forefront of everything CPBigwood do and most of all I am looking forward to being a valued member of the team where my input and ideas are considered.”

Brett Williams, partner in the residential service charge department at CPBigwood, said: “Louise will be a significant asset and we are very pleased that she has joined.

“We have increased turnover, increased the number of offices, increased staffing levels and continue to drive business.”

Jobs and training organisation EOS is to establish its new head office in Solihull.

With the help of property agents CPBigwood it is taking 3,766 sq ft of space at Cranmore Place on Cranmore Business Park.

Around 42 people will work there.

Conveniently located near Shirley and Solihull town centre, Cranmore Place is a 39,746 sq ft building which has been refurbished to a high standard.

Part of the Staffline group, EOS looks to get jobseekers into work, offering work experience, skills training, vocational qualifications and accreditation across a range of sectors.

It is the leading provider of the Work Programme across the West Midlands with specialist employment centresin Aston, Garretts Green, Kings Norton, Tipton, Brierley Hill and Wolverhampton . EOS works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Steve Bott, part of CPBigwood’s commercial agency team, said: “We acted for EOS, working closely with them in identifying these new premises.

“EOS is committed to delivering first class services to return the longer term unemployed back into sustainable employment.

“They have a major commitment to the Midlands and we were very pleased to be able to help them with their property needs.”

CPBigwood’s new property manager Jenny Cousins is used to responding fast – good news for residents.

Because in her spare time she is a Red Cross volunteer.

Jenny has joined the firm’s London office to work alongside Rupy Jandu, senior property manager for London and the South East.

It is further evidence of how CPBigwood is building its presence in the capital.

Jenny began her career in the property sector in 2009 employed by a contractor working under the then Labour government’s Decent Homes Programme aimed at providing a minimum standard for the public sector, both council housing and housing associations.

After the project ended in 2011 she moved to registered social landlord Network Housing Group in the customer service, service charge and leasehold management departments, specialising in handling Section 106 developments and in the process working closely with a number of managing agents including Mainstay, Trinity Estates and Peverel.

She said: “I am really looking forward to dealing with a busy portfolio in London, with Rupy and I becoming ‘Team Fix-it’ as we solve the capital’s property problems!

“It is going to be very exciting.”

Exciting too is her Red Cross role where she is both an event first aider and emergency response volunteer.

She noted: “This has lead to me nearly bumping into Rita Ora and escorting a screaming woman in labour to A&E at midnight in the back of a police van. We also go out to properties that have been evacuated due to fire or are without power or water, bringing blankets, tea and coffee, baby food and the like.”

Ian Smallman, a CPBigwood partner in the firm’s property management department, said: “Jenny is certainly a bit of an action woman which is good news for our clients.

“We are thrilled she is on board and I think Rupy and her will prove a good team.”

Major property sector figure Brian Bentley has joined CPBigwood as a partner in the commercial management department.

The move further bolsters the expansion of the firm which encompasses residential and commercial property, property management, auctions, surveying and estate agency.

CPBigwood partner Ian McPhillips said: “Brian has 25 years experience in commercial property, both for large corporates and also private practice.

“He has managed large portfolios and acted for big name clients. His list of contacts is second to none.

“We are very pleased to have him on board and I am sure he will prove a significant asset to our commercial management team.”

Mr Bentley was most recently a senior director of BNP Paribas Real Estate.

The work included managing the Sainsbury’s and Royal Mail portfolios and also business development.

Previously he had worked in the corporate sector having been regional property manager for Barclays Bank for a number of years. He was also head of strategic analysis for BDG McColl in London, working extensively with corporate occupiers, and helping to formulate property strategies with clients such as KPMG, BT and media companies J Walter Thompson and Ogilvy & Mather.

CPBigwood have a range of corporate and public sector clients including banks, local authorities, Goodyear Dunlop, BI Group as well as private individuals.

Mr Bentley said: “I have been watching the growth of CPBigwood with great interest.

“It has the right ethos – client service is hugely important, its staff know they are valued and it is a very much a team ethic.

“It is a proper business which really cares about performance, delivery and customer satisfaction. It is a company I admire and, when the opportunity came up, I decided to grab it. I hope I can leverage my connections and experience to the benefit of CPBigwood’s commercial management division.”

A new mini-market is coming to Solihull following a deal put together by property agents CPBigwood.

Hobs Moat Market will comprise a small market with various individual traders.

It follows the letting of a double fronted retail unit at 51-53 Hobs Moat Road, totalling 1,623 sq ft.

Steve Bott, a surveyor with CPBigwood’s commercial agency team, said: “It is in a prominent location helped by free service road parking.

“There are some big operators around the site such as Tesco, Dominos and Solihull Ice Rink which attract footfall.

“It is an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals.”

Hobs Moat Road links the A45 Coventry Road with the A41 Warwick Road, both main arterial routes into Birmingham.

Stuart Styles has joined the Birmingham office of CPBigwood as a property manager.

He has worked in the sector for a number of years having had a keen interest in the property industry from a young age.

Mr Styles achieved a BSc (Hons) Property Management Investment degree at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

He was a property manager in tenanted properties before relocating and working in residential service charge management for five years gaining considerable experience in the complexities of managing a variety of different developments across the Midlands.

He is an Associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management.

Mr Styles said: “As soon as I was aware of a position available at CPBigwood I naturally wanted to become part of a recognised, well respected and growing company thereby allowing me to continue and further progress in my career in the most effective way possible.”

Andrew Winstanley, associate partner – property management, said: “Stuart is an experienced operator and we are very pleased to have him on board.

“I am confident he will prove a significant asset for the business.”

Corals is to open a new branch in Yardley in a deal put together by property agents CPBigwood.

Following lengthy negotiations, the bookmaker has taken a ten year lease on 148 & 150 Church Road.

The property was recently refurbished to a high standard – local occupiers include Greggs, Wetherspoons, Iceland and charity Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Rob Watts, part of CPBigwood’s commercial agency team, said: “It is in a prominent position and should suit Corals well.

“It lies within a busy parade of shops, in close proximity to the Swan Island, and nearby the Tesco Superstore there. It is promising that national operators such as Corals are seeking quality High Street premises such as this.”

As well as a strong footfall, the area also enjoys good transport links, being just off the A45 Coventry Road.

Ryan Woodcock has joined property agents CPBigwood as technical coordinator.

A law graduate of the University of Aberystwyth, he was formerly a store supervisor for a leading outdoor clothes brand.

The work involved management of the unit and its employees, while also driving sales to improve the business.

He said: “I am very pleased to get this opportunity to develop my career in such a forward-thinking company.”

Mr Woodcock will be working within the Residential Service Charge department.

Technical manager Louise Fassnidge said: “Ryan is enthusiastic, hard-working and keen to progress. I am sure he will prove an asset to the business.”

One of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most prominent sites is now the new home of a fast-expanding property development company.

The Rosconn Group has acquired the corner complex on one of Stratford’s busiest junctions, 42 Greenhill Street and 1 Grove Road, which was being marketed by agents CPBigwood.

Totalling 2,085 sq ft, it was once the headquarters of printing business Stratford Repro.

Managing director Daniel O’Donnell said Rosconn Group and its various companies were likely to create circa ten jobs locally as a result of the move.

“Rosconn Group is now occupying part of the premises and will sub let the ground floor commercial space, I found Graham Carter and his team at CPBigwood to be highly professional and a pleasure to deal with,” he said.

CPBigwood partner Graham Carter said: “It is a prime spot and we were very pleased to agree the sale to Rosconn Group.”

The building, partly three-storey and partly two-storey, dates from the late Victorian era with more modern additions.

The Rosconn Group, which has moved from premises at Union House, 7-9 Union Street, Stratford, specialises in residential developments, land promotion and master planning.

Schemes currently under construction include sites in Wylde Green, Wellesbourne and Claverdon.

Master planning of many other sites is currently underway and can be viewed on the Strategic Section of the website.

Brett Williams has been named as new managing partner of growing national property consultancy CPBigwood.

He takes over from Nigel Curry who has seen the firm through a number of recent mergers and acquisitions.

The merger of Curry & Partners with Bigwood in 2011 created CPBigwood and the firm has since grown in size and location with the addition of a number of businesses and the opening of a London office.

Lloyd Property Management in Leicestershire was acquired in 2012 to provide an East Midlands base and last year CPBigwood acquired DMA Chartered Surveyors in Hampshire to provide a base for expansion in the south of England.

The London office led by partner Bill Drake-Lee, former Leicester Tigers player, also opened in 2012.

In 2013, CPBigwood acquired the established management practice of DMA Chartered Surveyors in Southampton.

CPBigwood senior partner Rory Daly said: “This is a natural progression for the firm as Brett was always intended as Nigel’s successor long term and we are very grateful for the work that Nigel has put in to bed down a merger of two very busy companies and oversee the merger of both staff and systems as we have expanded in the East Midlands, the south and London.

“We will continue to seek the right acquisition & merger opportunities, either if they are of sufficient size or close to one of our existing offices.”

Brett Williams also paid tribute to the work of his predecessor.

“Nigel has worked really hard and hands over the managing partner role with CPBigwood in great shape and I wish to thank him formally for this.

“I have worked with Nigel for over ten years and increasingly closely over the last few years. We will continue to invest in staff development and technology to meet with our aim to surpass clients’ service expectations.”

Mr Williams, a chartered surveyor and past chairman of ARMA, the Association of Residential Managing Agents, also sits on the RICS residential management committee.

He will remain head of CPBigwood’s biggest department, leading the residential service charge team which manages 25,000 apartments nationwide from five offices and has a forward order book of 4,500 units in confirmed instructions with a similar number of quotes and tenders submitted.

He added: “It is gratifying to know that my partners have confidence in me for this very important role.

Nigel Curry said: “The business has had incredible success over the past few years and I feel the timing is now right for Brett to take the managing partner role and be at the forefront of managing the growth of the business with Rory Daly as senior partner. I will remain actively involved in working with Rory and Brett in what are very exciting times for CPBigwood.”