Richard Pomfret retires from commercial property sector after four decades

A decade after the financial crash, the commercial property market’s recovery is once again under threat in the light of the uncertainty over Brexit, according to one of Coventry and Warwickshire’s most experienced practitioners.

Following the merger to create ehB Reeves, Richard Pomfret, former Managing Director of Reeves and Partners, who is retiring at Christmas after 40 years in the profession, said the Coventry and Warwickshire property market had recovered well, aided by the growth of the automotive sector and the reputation of Leamington as a nucleus for the games industry.

But, he warned, there is still a shortage of both office and industrial space within the small to medium range which could further hamper growth, if not addressed.

Too much emphasis has been placed on the release of green belt land for residential development and the conversion of older buildings to apartments, to the detriment of new build opportunities to meet strong commercial demand.

Brexit uncertainty

“Despite the Bank of England pumping billions into the economy through Quantitative Easing 10 years ago, this money primarily refinanced the banks who were then reluctant to lend to SMEs,” said Richard.

“As a consequence, there has been a paucity of development to meet demand.  Commercial property is in short supply at a time when the Coventry and Warwickshire markets were recovering well with businesses like Jaguar Land Rover.

“However, Brexit is now undoubtedly undermining confidence with the risk of a period of stagnation, whilst we wait and see how the economy reacts,” added Richard.

Retirement plans

Qualifying in 1975, Richard was a partner of Locke & England when the business was sold to Lloyds Bank in 1987 and subsequently became a director of Innes England when he ran the Coventry office.

Now based at the ehB Reeves offices in Euston Place, Leamington Spa, Richard has most recently headed up the firm’s agency, valuation and professional section, whilst acting for both regional and national charities.

A former rally co-driver, he has competed in a number of RAC Rallies, latterly racing a Porsche 911 within the British Historic Rally Championship where he was a champion co-driver.

With no work plans beyond his retirement, Richard hopes to improve his tennis and golf handicaps.  Having just returned from a touring holiday in Australia and Tasmania, he is also hoping to do more travel and walking within the UK.



Our Team

Simon Hain

Simon Hain has worked as a commercial property consultant in Leamington Spa since 1984 and has been very active within the local community and is a former chairman of Leamington and District Round Table and trustee of various local charities. Simon specialises in Commercial Agency, Development, Acquisitions and Corporate Property Advice and is a director of ehB Reeves.

Nick Evans

Nick is a Chartered Surveyor who has worked in Leamington Spa since 1992. Born in Warwick, Nick is a Fellow of the RICS, Registered Valuer, RICS Accredited Mediator and former Chairman of the RICS Coventry and Warwickshire Local Association. Nick generally concentrates on Valuation and Professional / Landlord and Tenant work as well as Investments and Corporate Property Advice for clients and is a director of ehB Reeves.  

Scott Blake

Scott is a Chartered Surveyor having worked in general practice surveying in the West Midlands area since 1991 and mainly within the Coventry and Warwickshire area. He has a wide range of experience dealing with commercial property matters including professional valuation services for private and corporate clients, other professional work including rent reviews, lease renewals, business rate appeals as well as commercial agency investment acquisitions and disposals. Scott is a director of ehB Reeves.

Stuart Gregory

Stuart heads our property management department working closely with clients to maximise returns from their property assets. He advises a number of private investors, high net worth individuals, property companies, pension funds and organisations with a charitable status, dealing with all aspects of the management of their property investments. Stuart is a Chartered Surveyor with over 25 years’ experience in Landlord & Tenant and general practice work in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. He joined Reeves & Partners in 2001 and is a Director of the firm.  

Andrew Forsyth

Andrew joined ehB Reeves in February 2024 as a Facilities Manager. After spending 20 years in the aggregate construction materials industry, Andrew moved to facilities management where he has worked in Warwickshire for 20 years.  

Catherine Macon

Catherine has been with the company since 2003 and currently assists in the Agency department. Outside of work, Catherine has keen interest in singing and is an active member of Sing It Loud community choir.

Danielle Biddle

Dani has been with the company since 2007 and currently deals with all of the office administration as well as residential property management.   Dani has keen interest in painting, walking  her dog Stanley and more recently healthy cooking.

Hardip Dhillon

Hardip joined ehB Reeves in 2023. Hardip is a Management Surveyor and looks after part of our extensive property management portfolio.

Lesley Saunders

Lesley joined Reeves & Partners in 2014 as a Receptionist/Administrator.  Since merging and becoming ehB Reeves, Lesley has progressed and taken on the role of Property Accounts Assistant where she deals with all aspects of management accounting.  She is a keen traveler and in her spare time likes to socialize with her friends and is part of a local darts team.

Oliver Shelley

Oliver joined us at the start of 2023, shortly after graduating from the University of Nottingham and Trent with a BSc (Hons) in Real Estate Management. Oliver started work in the agency department and also assists in aspects of asset management as well as professional services. Oliver will soon be starting his assessment of professional competence (APC) – the on-the-job training scheme graduates need to complete to qualify as a chartered surveyor. Oliver grew up in Solihull and attended Solihull School and outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis going to the gym and cooking healthy meals.    

Phil Harvey

Having joined Reeves & Partners in 2011, Phil has over 18 years’ experience in the Property industry specialising in Commercial Property Management. Phil works closely with a wide range of clients including private investment companies, pension fund operators and religious organisations advising on all aspects of Property and asset management. Phil is an experienced and valued member of the Property Management team and has acted across a wide range of property sectors including residential, industrial, office and retail. Outside of the office, Phil enjoys music, reading and Formula One.

Robert Hawkins

Robert is a Chartered Surveyor with extensive experience in the property business, having worked on both sides of the fence, as adviser and client, in all market sectors and on properties and portfolios large and small. He enjoys dealing with all aspects of commercial property and acting for all types of client.

Sam Hain

Sam Hain joined us in the summer of 2017, shortly after graduating from the University of the West of England, Bristol with a BA (Hons) in Politics and International Relations

Sam started work in asset management department, working as a graduate asset manager and is now very active in the agency department. Having obtained an MSc degree in Real Estate Management, Sam has started his assessment of professional competence (APC) - the on-the-job training scheme graduates need to complete to qualify as a chartered surveyor and hopes to qualify in the winter of 2024.

Outside of work Sam enjoys playing golf and football and is a Coventry City supporter.

Sandra Rowe

Sandra joined the company in 2000 and is head of Property Accounts, where she deals with all aspects of management accounting.

Vanessa Holmes

Vanessa is a Chartered Accountant and joined in 2000.  She keeps the company’s books and helps with the budgeting and final accounts of the service charges.  She works part time and in her spare time she volunteers at a local school, and enjoys dressmaking and baking.

Otis

Otis joined ehB Reeves in 2018 and is in charge of general morale. Outside of work Otis enjoys long walks.