Bonmarché Redcar

The Client:

Bonmarché is a clothing retailer with over 300 stores across the UK. They were TPG’s first client when the company was founded back in 2012.

The Background:

Our client was served with a  ‘Notice to Repair’ by their landlord during the current lease term. The landlord was in the process of selling the property and had indicated their intention to use their right of entry under the current lease to carry out the repair works if the tenant did not proceed with repairs diligently. Including fees, the landlord’s cost of repair works was circa £130k. The works included a full re-roof, extensive external repairs and redecoration, extensive internal repairs and complete internal redecoration.

We received instruction to negotiate the extent of the works and mitigate the cost to the client. We were also instructed to act as principal designer, draft the schedule of works, and tender and manage the project.

The services we provided:

Survey: A site survey was required to assess the landlord’s Notice to Repair against the actual condition of the property. The property was in a poor state of repair and the tenant had not fully complied with all of its lease obligations.

Advice: We advised the client of their position and the options available to them. In this instance, the client was advised that the extent of the works would remain significant. However,  it was likely that cost savings could be made by arranging for the works to be carried out rather than allow the landlord to proceed with the repairs.

Negotiation: We liaised with the landlord’s surveyor to agree the extent of the repair works actually required. In this instance, the extent of the repair works and decoration was reduced. However, a significant amount of repairs was still required.

Principal Designer: We prepared and provided all the relevant pre-construction information and ensured the principal contractor carried out their obligations in relation to CDM.

Procurement: We prepared the schedule of work, tendered the works, analysed the tenders, and appointed contractors on behalf of the client.

Project Management: We held a pre-start meeting and site meetings, as well as carrying out inspections. We also managed variations, cost control and client expectations.

The Result:

Including fees, the actual cost of repairs to the client was £90k. A saving to them of 30% off the initial claim.

Services:

• Building Surveying and Defect Analysis
• CDM and Health & Safety Services
• Dilapidations
• Project Management