Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Property Management Partner in Reading
Hicks Baker has been a trusted name in commercial property services since establishing its presence in the Thames Valley over three decades ago. Our expertise spans property management, lease advisory, and building surveying, serving a diverse clientele including private investors, developers, and corporate occupiers. With a team of RICS-accredited professionals, we combine local market intelligence with national reach to deliver tailored solutions that maximise property value and occupier satisfaction.Our commitment to innovation and client-centric service is demonstrated through strategic asset management, comprehensive lease consultancy, and specialist building surveying services. We maintain a strong focus on community engagement, supporting local cultural initiatives and charitable causes while delivering measurable results for our clients across the UK.
Services
Property Management
Lease Advisory
Building Surveying
Asset Management
Retail and Leisure Sales
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in Thames Valley commercial property
- Our team includes RICS-accredited professionals across all service areas
- We provide tailored solutions combining asset management and lease consultancy
- We serve both national and international clients with local market knowledge
- We offer comprehensive 24/7 emergency maintenance support services
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Services
Property Management
Our property management services combine proactive maintenance with strategic financial oversight to maximise returns on commercial investments. We handle rent collection, service charge administration, and emergency maintenance through a dedicated help desk, supported by RICS-regulated processes. With expertise in managing diverse property portfolios across the UK, we ensure compliance with all statutory requirements while maintaining occupier satisfaction.
Lease Advisory
We provide comprehensive lease advisory services covering rent reviews, lease renewals, and lease re-gearing strategies. Our RICS-qualified team utilises in-depth market knowledge to negotiate optimal terms for landlords and tenants. From break clause management to dilapidations assessments, we deliver practical solutions that align with clients' commercial objectives while maintaining compliance with RICS leasing codes.
Building Surveying
Our building surveying services encompass condition assessments, project management, and technical consultancy for commercial properties. The team provides detailed dilapidations reports, schedules of condition, and fit-out project management. With expertise in both historic and modern buildings, we offer practical advice on maintenance strategies, refurbishment options, and compliance with building regulations across multiple sectors.
Asset Management
We develop tailored asset management strategies to enhance property value and income generation. Our services include market analysis, investment appraisal, and lease strategy development. By combining financial expertise with property market knowledge, we help clients optimise portfolio performance through targeted acquisitions, disposals, and repositioning strategies that respond to evolving market conditions.
Retail and Leisure Sales
Specialising in retail and leisure property transactions, we offer strategic marketing and negotiation services for property disposals. Our team provides accurate valuation advice, marketing strategies, and tenant vetting services to ensure optimal outcomes. With extensive experience in both local and national markets, we deliver successful transactions for standalone units, shopping centres, and mixed-use developments.
People
Giles Blagden
Managing Director
Giles Blagden leads the management and advisory team with over 30 years' experience in commercial property. He oversees strategic client relationships and maintains active involvement in major property transactions while chairing the Reading Foundation for Art.
Fiona Brownfoot
Director - Agency Retail and Leisure
Fiona Brownfoot heads the retail and leisure agency team, specialising in tenant vetting and property marketing. With extensive local market knowledge, she manages high-profile retail transactions and maintains strong relationships with national retailers and property investors.
Dominic Faires
Director - Agency Business Space
Dominic Faires focuses on business space agency, connecting occupiers with suitable commercial premises. He specialises in industrial and office property transactions, leveraging market insights to deliver tailored solutions for both landlords and tenants across the Thames Valley region.
Lloyd Rockall
Director - Building Surveying
Lloyd Rockall leads the building surveying department, providing expert technical advice on property condition and project management. His expertise includes dilapidations assessments, contract administration, and strategic maintenance planning for commercial property portfolios.
Adam Schofield
Associate Director - Lease Advisory
Adam Schofield specialises in lease advisory services, managing rent reviews and lease renewals. With deep knowledge of valuation conventions and market trends, he provides strategic guidance to clients on optimising lease terms and navigating complex property negotiations.
Questions
What commercial property services do you offer?
We provide property management, lease advisory, building surveying, and agency services for retail, leisure, office, and industrial properties across the UK.
Which areas do you cover?
While based in Reading, we operate throughout the Thames Valley and provide services nationwide for commercial property clients.
Do you offer emergency maintenance support?
Yes, our property management service includes a 24/7 help desk for emergency maintenance issues and building emergencies.
What accreditations do your team hold?
Our team includes RICS-accredited professionals across all disciplines, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
How do you handle lease negotiations?
Our lease advisory team uses detailed market analysis and legal expertise to negotiate optimal terms for rent reviews, renewals, and lease re-gearing.
Can you assist with property acquisitions?
Yes, we offer comprehensive acquisition services including site selection, market analysis, and transaction management for commercial properties.
