J&E Shepherd Chartered Surveyors, one of the largest independent firms of chartered surveyors in the UK, has today (4.12.07) opened a new London City office and appointed George Brewster as senior partner following the retirement of John Bennett.

Having previously administered its operations south of the border from Nottingham, the launch of J&E Shepherd’s new office at the Rubicon Building in the city is a significant development that will greatly enhance the firm’s ability to penetrate and serve the capital’s vibrant commercial property market.

The London office, headed up by Richard Jones, takes the firm’s extensive network of offices throughout the UK to 32.

Mr Brewster said, “Our London-based team are already working on a raft of exciting commercial developments and proposals within the capital. The opening of our London office, together with the formation of a strategic partnership offering automated valuation models, substantial investment in panel management capability and mortgage reciprocation – as well as the reconfiguration of our new management structure – marks the dawning of a new era for our business.”

Having first ventured south of the border in 2001/02, today Shepherd employs some 200 staff in England and Wales, carrying out full valuation and panel management services, giving it complete and comprehensive UK coverage.

Mr Brewster’s appointment as senior partner makes him, at 47 years of age, the eldest partner in the firm.

“Although Shepherd has a long and distinguished history stretching back some 125 years, we remain young, enthusiastic and energised to deal with the various market challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive management restructure has seen three new

appointments at the beginning of 2007 to partnership status, Steven Barnett (Glasgow Commercial); Niall Gunn (Edinburgh Commercial); Neil Thompson (Coatbridge Residential), and a further three on 1st December; Martin Waite (Glasgow Residential); Lachlan Macfarlane (Motherwell Residential) and Adrian Stott (Musselburgh Residential).

Said Mr Brewster, “Our new partners will continue to develop our excellent reputation across Scotland, but we pride ourselves on being able to deliver a valuation service throughout the UK, from a network of 30 offices throughout Scotland and over 75 locations from two administration centres in England and Wales.”

J&E Shepherd offers a multi disciplinary property service to include valuation, commercial agency, building surveying, rent reviews, development and investment consultancy, rating and property management.

For further information please contact George Brewster on tel 0131 225 1234