Commercial deals on the increase

WARRINGTON’S largest legal practice, Forshaws Davies Ridgway LLP (FDR) has reported a notable increase in commercial activity amongst Warrington businesses.
Margaret Evans, (pictured right) Partner at FDR, said: “Encouraging signs for the local economy are emanating from companies and individuals in Warrington as we are seeing an increase in the number of corporate deals. This is a positive sign that the local economy is starting to recover from the recession.”
FDR report that the four months between January and April showed an increase in corporate and commercial property activity, by their clients, of almost 20% compared with the same period in 2009.
Margaret continues, “I have recently returned to FDR following maternity leave and couldn’t have timed it better to coincide with increasing commercial activity from our clients. When an economy emerges from recession it is important that speculators look at corporate opportunities and potential commercial bargains. Without new investment many business would struggle to grow and confidence in the economy would be low.”
“My primary focus is on corporate and commercial property transactions. It is clear that now is a prime opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to grab a bargain both in terms of business purchases, mergers and acquisitions as well as with regards to lease terms and commercial property prices.”
Nationally, commercial property prices dropped by as much as 60% during the recession with many in the commercial property sector admitting that it was extremely difficult to value property due to constantly changing factors.
Margaret explains 2010 has started to see improvements in commercial property values, “year-on-year, compared with 2009, we are seeing reports of increases in commercial property values between 5% and 10%. This is positive but illustrates there is still scope for speculators to get a good bargain compared with pre-recession values.”