I have been with Vickery Holman for just over a year now, since joining the Bristol office in June 2021 coming straight from university. During my first year I solely worked within the Valuation department undertaking various valuations for secured lending, asset values and Charity Act purposes, covering a wide variety of property types from retail units, industrial and office to residential investments, public houses and many more!
As of July, this year I was welcomed into the Lease Advisory and Rating team to gain further experience and knowledge in this department. This work involves conducting rent reviews and lease renewals on behalf of landlords and tenants. Here I provide clients with the estimated rental value, proposed lease terms and liaise with solicitors on the service of the statutory notices and new leases, for lease renewals. For rent reviews I negotiate with opposing party, serve trigger notice and rent review memoranda. My rating work includes providing clients with advice on how we can reduce their business rates liability, either through checks and challenges with the VOA, splitting or merging assessments or reducing the RV to zero where a property is being redeveloped.
Throughout my time at VH, there has been ongoing support with regards to the APC which I hope to sit in Autumn 2023. Although the process seems daunting at first, regular meetings with my supervisor and counsellor provides me with the necessary guidance and advice. We are also provided with regular graduate training days, where all the graduates meet and conduct training activities. It is always nice to be able to touch base with the other graduates and catch up on all APC matters!
