Leading specialist UK leisure and property agency, Shelley Sandzer, has announced the return of Richard Thomas to the team as Director of Agency. Working with co-managing director, Nick Weir, he will lead the agency team in providing leading operators with strategic advice on site acquisitions and disposals.
Richard first joined Shelley Sandzer in 2011, working as a Chartered Surveyor specialising in providing professional advice on rent reviews, lease renewals, and valuations. He became Head of Pubs while at Shelley Sandzer, working with some of the largest national operators including Whitbread and JD Wetherspoon.
Following seven years at Savills and Fleurets, the latter as a Divisional Director focusing on freehold and leasehold transactions throughout the UK, Richard returns to Shelley Sandzer with an expanded expertise in negotiation and a more diverse client list.
During his 20 years in the licensed and leisure sector, Richard has acted for a vast mix of landlords and tenants. He is already applying that experience at Shelley Sandzer with a number of operators, including Six by Nico, Boparan Restaurant Group, C&C Restaurant, Game Nation, and Aspirational Brands.
Nick Weir, Joint Managing Partner at Shelley Sandzer, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Richard back to Shelley Sandzer. He has already contributed a huge amount to the business, he joins at a challenging but exciting time for the leisure sector. Richard’s wealth of industry knowledge and experience will help Shelley Sandzer grow as we continue to work with brilliant operators and landlords.”
Richard Thomas added: “While the lockdowns were tough for the industry, it stood up well with many operators adapting brilliantly to survive and thrive. As we emerge from the pandemic, there is a real enthusiasm from landlords and operators to drive the F&B industry forward. I am very excited to have returned to Shelley Sandzer, and to be part of the team as it plays a centrol role in the industry’s resurgence.”
Shelley Sandzer has had a very strong third quarter of the year, securing several new sites for operators in the West End, including Soho’s Vasco & Piero’s, as well as Wing Wing, Gordon Ramsey Street Burger and Japanese restaurant Takumi. Richard’s expertise will bolster Shelley Sandzer’s efforts, as they lead the way in the leisure leasing sector and spearhead the resurgence of the West End’s hospitality scene.