West Bromwich-based Bond Wolfe is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a promise of further expansion.
“We are definitely looking to take on additional staff over the next 12 months,” pledged managing partner James Mattin.
Bond Wolfe is considered by many to be one of the dominant property investment companies and commercial agents in West Bromwich and the Black Country, and Mr Mattin says it has every intention of remaining so.
Since its inception Bond Wolfe has built up a substantial portfolio of property in the region including their headquarters at West Plaza, High Street – a 100,000 square feet hotel and office complex. Additional ownership has included Landchard house, Victoria House, West House, Court House, Bridge House and Duchess Parade, totaling over 500,000 square feet of offices.
Mr Mattin said: “Historically, we have focused on the sales and lettings of properties within our in-house investment portfolios.
“However our in-depth knowledge of the local market in Sandwell and the Black Country has enabled us to expand our interests across the board – retail, office and industrial premises as well as investment properties.
“Our core business of office and retail lettings remains robust and this continues as we take on more client work, but we are putting extra emphasis on industrial units
One of its biggest coups in recent times came last year when it moved quickly to purchase the former West Bromwich Building Society HQ in West Bromwich town centre. It intends moving its own business there once the society relocates.
The opportunity arose due to the Society’s decision to relocate to The Waterfront at Brierley Hill, which has since been reversed as they now look to relocate to new Headquarters within West Bromwich.
“Purchasing such an iconic building was further testament to the firm’s commitment to the area and represents significant strategic development for Bond Wolfe,” said Mr Mattin. “It will provide the company with the right facilities to continue its growth and consolidate its market leadership. We are rapidly developing our agency business and felt that this building provides us with the perfect opportunity within which to expand.”
The property, to be re-named Society House, was purpose built for the building society in the 1960s, and has been extended and refurbished over the years. It offers 44,263 sq ft of office space across five floors, each with a mixture of open plan and suited offices allowing for a variety of uses.
Mr Mattin said “We are already in talks with a number of firms about leasing space with us there.
“We want this to become a real iconic flagship at the heart of West Bromwich. Using our local knowledge we believe we will deliver Society House as a perfect building for established companies to base themselves at for many years to come.”
Bond Wolfe has years of expertise in tailoring buildings to the needs of clients. Highly flexible, it is happy to split them into parts according to requirements.
Partners and founders Paul Bassi and Rory Daly remain integral to the success story though these days very much behind the scenes as they take forward their other interests. Rory is now Managing Director at CPBigwood chartered surveyors while Paul is Chief Executive of REI plc.
Today the business is run by Mr Mattin , who has been with Bond Wolfe for over ten years. He was joined last year by Mr Bassi’s nephew, Paul Bassi junior, an ex-King Edwards student, who is studying for his masters degree in Real Estate Management.
So how are they going to celebrate?
Relatively low key is the answer with drinks functions, and a company dinner, whereas the milestone 25th anniversary saw a gala charity ball at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham complete with Abba tribute band.
But on that occasion the firm also announced a major initiative seeking to give back to the Black Country some of what it had given them.
The Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust raises funds for worthy causes regardless of caste, colour, creed, age or sex, and remains very active.
Mr Mattin said: “It has been great. We don’t shout it from the roof tops – that’s not our style. We like to work quietly to support individuals in need and help worthy causes espoused by dedicated agencies.
“At Bond Wolfe we believe we have a responsibility to our community as well as our clients, staff and shareholders.”
A sample of organisations that have benefited include: Unicef (Midlands), Cure Leukaemia, NSPCC, St. Mary’s Hospice, Cancer UK, Oldbury Sikh Temple, The Royal British Legion, Sandwell Neonatal Baby Care Unit, Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, Get-A-Head and the Mary Stevens Hospice.
A recent donation of £1,500 went towards sending a very sick seven-year-old for treatment in the United States.
Added Mr Mattin: “Our business has gone from strength to strength over the last 30 years and we are confident it will continue to do so.
“And as we celebrate our birthday thank you to everyone who has been with us on the journey.”