“2017 will be our 70th year in business of which we are all very proud” – NovaLoca interview Scott Cameron of Whyte & Barrie
Continuing with our coverage of the latest revitalisation projects happening in Scottish towns, we have spoken to Scott Cameron of Whyte & Barrie based in Hamilton, Lanarkshire to see what challenges and triumphs they have seen this year; especially during the after-math of the Brexit vote.
What has business been like for Whyte & Barrie Commercial so far in 2016?
Whilst always striving to improve, I have been pleased with our level of activity thus far in 2016, both in terms of instructions and deals concluded. I am old enough to remember pre-2008 and, obviously, volumes and turnover are well short of those levels but we seem to have adjusted well and there are some encouraging signs.
Have you seen any trends emerging in the market this year?
There seems to be an ever increasing demand for purchase, in many cases via pensions, for owner occupation, particularly in the industrial market for “smaller” units.
How are the different property type markets doing individually?
We are active throughout Lanarkshire and retail continues to struggle although Motherwell seems to be “bucking the trend” with low availability and vacancy levels. Demand for smaller offices continues but there is limited demand locally for floor plates of 3,000 sq ft plus. As with many other locations, industrial demand and disposals are healthy for good stock.
How would you rate the overall situation of the commercial property market in Lanarkshire at the moment?
As ever, quality product in good locations will find occupiers however market conditions continue to be challenging.
Are there any particular challenges you face when doing business in your area?
I suspect challenging market conditions are not location specific however clients regularly complain about business rates and, in Hamilton particularly, there are strong feelings about parking charges in the town centre although I suspect removing these would not be the silver bullet that many imagine.
Local travel difficulties and delays are being caused by the upheaval of the improvements to the M74, and A/M 8 and occupiers seeking to relocate from outwith the area are quite taken aback by the disruption, however I have no doubt the changes will be worthwhile on completion.
Are there any projects or developments that you are particularly excited about at the moment?
Whyte & Barrie are joint agents on Drumpellier Business Park on the fringe of Coatbridge and our clients have speculatively built one office pavilion of 7,383 sq ft which can be occupied as a whole or divided by floor or individual suites from 1,800 sq ft. Enterprise House was only recently completed and I am looking forward to securing tenants for the building and the park being developed out in the future.
What are the benefits for businesses who are considering relocating to Hamilton?
Hamilton, and Lanarkshire generally, have excellent transport links, throughout Scotland and to the south which will be even better when the current improvement works are completed. Hamilton is within minutes of Glasgow yet also has the scenic beauty and countryside of the Clyde Valley and Chatelherault Country Park, amongst other attractions “on the doorstep”.
What do you hope that the rest of 2016 will bring for Whyte & Barrie?
2017 will be Whyte & Barrie’s 70th year in business of which we are all very proud. I hope we can reach that milestone with the stability within the company which we currently enjoy with a strong team in place, simultaneously looking to expand and grow through recruitment and by forging new client relationships whilst continuing to serve our established customer base.
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