London, Manchester and Edinburgh-based independent building and project consultancy Paragon has launched a dedicated occupier services offer following the appointment of a highly experienced specialist director.
Andrew Gower joins Paragon with more than 15 years’ experience as an occupier services expert for the professional services, fintech and hospitality sectors. Before joining Paragon, he was founder and managing director of his own building surveying and project management company.
Andrew will support clients such as owner-occupiers and tenants to manage acquisitions, fitting out and relocations. His work helps minimise overheads, retain talent, mitigate risks and get the most out of the space which companies intend to occupy.
As an independent consultancy with no commercial links to contractors and other suppliers, Paragon offers an objective view for clients during procurement and project management.
Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: “Paragon is a smart and ambitious company that thinks differently. It has recognised that occupiers’ attitudes and expectations are changing. Clients are looking to consultants for insight and proactive advice, and my aim is to help them maximise their workplace and achieve commercial advantages.
“In addition, landlords are reacting to the shifts in occupier demands. They increasingly want to know how tenants think, and to do that they need to consider buildings as a ‘service’. In ten years, co-working spaces may account for 25 per cent of office space in London, so clients will demand specialists who understand this concept.
“The consultancy has a well-deserved reputation for providing a collaborative client service and I’m looking forward to working closely with its existing clients, as well as using my occupier services expertise to win new business.”
This latest service launch follows soon after Paragon’s announcement of the UK property industry’s first in-house drone surveying service, led by former Formula One Management aerial surveyor, Elliott Garrett, as well as a dedicated rights of light service led by former GIA director, Anthony Harris.
Welcoming Andrew to the consultancy, Paragon joint managing director, John Munday, said: “We are moving into an exciting new era when it comes to building occupiers and Andrew is perfectly placed to assist clients to get the most out of their property investment. He has a sharp instinct for delivering commercially effective results for clients, honed from his impressive experience across the industry.
“With this and our other service launches, we are continually innovating and further enhancing our integrated offer to existing and potential clients. Andrew will be a real asset to Paragon as we continue to grow the business.”
Paragon was founded in London in 2009. The consultancy employs more than 100 people, has a turnover of £14m and is expert in all aspects of building surveying, project management, project monitoring, cost consultancy, M&E consultancy, environmental consultancy, occupier services, drone surveying, rights of light and party wall services.
Paragon delivers a director-led service focused on technical expertise, commercial business acumen and a proactive approach to service delivery.
