We are a FTSE 250 property investment and development company, owning a £2.4 billion portfolio of London real estate.
What makes us different
We aim to deliver value by unlocking the often hidden potential in central London commercial real estate, a market we know inside out. We reposition properties, let off low rents and rich with opportunities for improvement, into more valuable spaces that are attractive to a diverse range of occupiers.
We operate in highly cyclical markets. Our strategy is to capture the opportunities that this cyclicality creates through our active business model, flexing our activities in tune with changing market conditions, increasing and reducing operational risk as appropriate, whilst always maintaining low financial leverage.
Our culture lies at the heart of our ability to achieve our strategic goals. It is entrepreneurial and pragmatic with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary teamwork. We also believe that building strong and enduring relationships with our occupiers, service partners, joint venture partners and other stakeholders is critical to our success.
"Our clear strategic focus on central London, a market that we know inside out, allows us to better evaluate changing conditions, adjust our activities and unearth opportunities that others may miss."
Our history
We became a publicly quoted company in 1959, with the acquisition of the entire property holdings of Basil and Howard Samuel (cousins of Lord Samuel of Land Securities), consisting of 41 properties valued at £5.5 million.
In the early 2000s, following the appointment of Toby Courtauld as Chief Executive, our business refocused entirely on central London and the Group converted into a Real Estate Investment Trust in 2006.
"We are exceedingly proud of our achievements over the years, including external recognition received in the form of numerous awards. We have been recognised for our sustainable property management and development activities, together with our investor relations and transparency in reporting achievements. These awards are testament to the abilities and efforts of each and every one of our team members."
