Simon started work at global telecoms group Cable and Wireless working on providing the fibre optic network to facilitate the automisation of the London Stock Exchange in the late 1980’s. He then joined Wright Oliphant, a subsidiary of Hambros Bank working on investment and development opportunities across London.
In August 1998 Simon opened Gerald Eve’s City of London office, specialising in advising financial clients in the City and Canary Wharf. In 2001 he became responsible for all agency, investment, development, valuation, landlord and tenant and rating in the office sector for London and the South East.
Simon has always specialised in providing strategic property advice to occupiers and is experienced at putting property into a business context. He has advised on some of the largest office transactions/restructuring in London and the South East in the past five years and has experience of advising and processing high level, often sensitive, property decisions.
He is a member of Gerald Eve’s Executive Board with responsibility for strategy and business development.
Specific experience
Carnival UK – Simon advised the board of Carnival on the procurement of a brand new 150,000 sq ft bespoke UK headquarters in Southampton. The commercial terms included an initial rent fixed for 12 years without review. The building was completed in December 2009.
Swiss Re – Simon has advised Swiss Re in the UK for the last 10 years. Most recently in respect of lease restructuring with the new owners on the 280,000 sq ft they occupy at the iconic 30 St Mary Axe, in London.
J.P. Morgan – Simon is client partner for J.P. Morgan in the UK, the world’s largest bank. Advice includes restructuring and relocation strategy, planning for the new headquarters, tax and the disposal of surplus accommodation across the country.
Reliance Industries – Simon has looked after international telecoms to petro-chemicals group Reliance since they opened an office in the UK twenty years ago. During that period the client has grown significantly. Recent projects include sourcing a high quality UK headquarters building capable of supporting an oil trading facility.
Intesa – Italian banking group Intesa occupied 60,000 sq ft from St Martins Property Corporation, who wanted this accommodation for the Kuwaiti Investment Authority. They offered surrender terms to the bank who instructed Simon to act. Simon was able to secure a significant premium from St Martins to vacate the offices.
Société Générale – Simon was instructed to handle the property aspects of the demerger of SG’s trading business Fimat (now Newedge). The requirement was for dealing accommodation on large open floors with significant infrastructure backup. Simon identified, shortlisted and advised on the acquisition of 90,000 sq ft over two floors at Bishops Square, E1.
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken – Simon has advised Swedish banking group SEB for in excess of ten years on all UK real estate matters. Recent projects include a practical and financial assessment of the property options available to the bank at their 90,000 sq ft headquarters in London.
Marex – Simon advised global trading group Marex on the acquisition of a new London headquarters. The transaction was completed ‘off market’ between Marex and J.P.Morgan with Simon’s knowledge of the J.P.Morgan portfolio being key to a successful transaction for both parties.
Natixis – Following its merger French investment bank Natixis required high level property advice on a property integration and disposal exercise across its European portfolio. Simon has, and is currently, advising the bank in this regard. The mandate has now extended to New York.