ASH Chartered Surveyors celebrate 30th Anniversary
Independent property practice ASH have now been a leading firm of Chartered Surveyors in Gloucestershire for 30 years.
Founded in 1989, the practice is run by its four partners, Pollyanne Schreuder, Simon McKeag, Alastair Mylechreest, and Bruce Fenley. ASH is widely known for providing expert property advice to clients across Gloucestershire and the South West.
Originally solely based in Gloucester covering mainly the Gloucestershire area, the firm has grown significantly over the years. Following the acquisition of Horsleys in 2013, ASH acquired a Cheltenham office and the subsequent acquisition of SPA Chartered Surveyors further increased the firm’s prominence in Cheltenham, where they now undertake both residential and commercial management, commercial agency and provide professional advice.
The property market has changed considerably over the last 30 years with a particular focus now on digital marketing and the importance of an effective website and online offering for agency instructions. As a practice, ASH have continued to constantly strive to improve what they do and combine the highest standard of professionalism. With a solid market knowledge and a sharp commercial edge, the principle of providing personal expertise still remains a major part of the practice’s ethos.
Back in 1989 the firm was founded by Catherine Alexander, Christopher Soane and Pollyanne Schreuder (nee Herring) initially trading as ASH & Co, survived the 1990’s recession and grew stronger. The contacts and reputation that Polly and Chris built in the early years enabled ASH to grow from a solid base.
Founding partner Pollyanne Schreuder was originally the agency, development and investment Partner, having previous experience with the development of major business parks and also management and professional work relating to shopping centres, offices and industrial. Pollyanne was born and grew up in Gloucestershire and has a strong interest in promoting the success of the County as a business location.
With a wealth of experience in both commercial and residential, Pollyanne now oversees both commercial and residential management, undertakes valuation work, particularly development and feasibility studies, and provides professional advice to clients, including rent reviews, lease renewals and strategic property advice.
Simon McKeag joined ASH as a Graduate Surveyor in 2000, becoming a Partner in 2009 and he now heads up the Agency Department, primarily dealing with the acquisition and disposal of commercial properties across the County.
Since Simon has been with the firm, he has seen significant changes in the sector he works due to the evolution of the digital era and, like most industries, is now required to act/respond at an increasingly faster pace. The availability of an effective online offering is vital for agency instructions and we ensure that the website and other platforms available to us are updated on a regular basis.
Alastair Mylechreest joined ASH in 1996 having trained in London, becoming Partner in 2015. Alastair is increasingly involved in commercial management instructions for a variety of private clients and public sector bodies whilst also undertaking valuations, lease renewals, rent reviews and other professional work.
Bruce Fenley joined ASH as a Partner in 2015 with over 25 years’ experience in the property business within the County and is currently responsible for the Professional Department, in particular valuations, rent reviews and lease consultancy.
The credit crunch in 2008 saw the number of small practices diminish and ASH has adapted its business model to provide a more secure position in the market. Despite the crunch, which had a marked impact on surveying, with fewer graduates entering the profession, the impact of which is still noticeable, ASH are proud to have good staff retention and career progression they are able to offer. The Partners at ASH believe it is important to provide opportunities to graduates and provide support throughout their development as ultimately it is the next generation who will be required to take the business forward.
The firm’s success over 30 years follows a commitment to provide a professional, personal service to their clients, ensuring the advice is appropriate to their needs. ASH are looking forward to sustaining their position as one of th key commercial surveying practices in the county and continuing to grow from two stable bases in Gloucester and Cheltenham taking ASH into the next era.
GLOUCESTER OFFICE: 3 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3ND T: 01452 300433
CHELTENHAM OFFICE: 1-5 Kew Place, Cheltenham, GL53 7NQ T: 01242 237274
