Words from our customers

Michael has helped us tremendously in acquiring our two flagship branches in Edinburgh, Multrees Walk and New Bond Street, London as well as negotiating a rent review and large rating reduction for the New Bond Street store.

We set off exploring lots of opportunities which Michael sourced for us and he gave us excellent continued advice as well as help in presentation of the company originally to landlords, which was crucial early on, as we moved to becoming a global brand and our clothing ranges expanded.

 

George McNeil, Managing Director Retail, Johnstons of Elgin

During my time working with Mike I found him astute, commercial and boundlessly energetic in pursuit of our goals. He found us ways into locations no one else could and saved Virgin substantial sums across acquisitions deals, rent reviews and other transactions.

 

Simon Burke, Superquinn former Chairman Hamleys & MD Virgin Group

Mike has worked with us closely and negotiated favourable lease terms in good sites. He works diligently often on weekends and has a ‘never give up attitude’. Mike takes a close interest in our business and it shows a real concern for our continued success. His golf is crap though!

 

Michael Arbuckle, CEO, Food Co. (Muffin Break)

As a small multiple retailer based in the north east Mike provides us with an outstanding one stop property service: professional, friendly, always available and prepared to tackle every property issue, large or small. Most impressive is his determination to secure favourable rent reviews and lease renewals: he fully understands that a pound or two saved really matters. Wholeheartedly recommended!

 

Jeremy Eliot, MD, John Eliot Footwear Ltd, UK largest Clarks Shoes franchise

Michael has fantastic knowledge of retail world and has advised on all our leases and re-locations with great outcomes for all shops. He has been a vital part of the structuring of the leases and advised on freehold purchases and future acquisitions.

 

Xavier, Benham Pharmacy

Michael Whitby-Smith has been my agent for over two decades. In this time he has produced 28 cafe sites for me, all on tenant-friendly terms. His ability to negotiate, his tenacity to see the job through to fruition, his knowledge and his expertise is second to none. I have always found him to be honest, reliable and fair and consider him not just an agent, but also a friend.

 

Marino Morelli, Morelli’s

Due to Mike’s extensive networking abilities we have been able to find shops which otherwise we would not have found possible and grow our turnover ten times in one year.

 

Desmond Neville, Managing Director, London Luggage Co. T/A Tyler & Gibbs

Mike has represented our company many times for over 20 years both as tenants and landlords. He has always proven to be thorough, tenacious and attentive. It must be said that better to have him on our side as he would be a nightmare in opposition.

 

Raj Bhogal, KSC IT Limited

En effet, tout le temps qu’a dure notre recherche vouz avez toujours ete d’une grande disponibilite et vous n’avez jamais cede au decouragement. Votre connaissance du marche de l’immobiler Londonien, votre rigeur, votre capacite a comprendre les exigences de votre client et votre loyaute nous ont permis de trouver un emplacement de qualite.

 

Passcal Crolet, Ventilo sa.

We have found Whitby Smith to be very helpful and efficient. Friendly people and pleasant communication, but tough and thorough in dealings with ‘the other side’.

 

Brend Kirsten, Golfino AG

As an individual entrepreneur looking for a new venture, I found Michael an oracle of knowledge.

His skills along with the flexible boundaries and true devotion towards my commercial goals. Michael was able to guide me positively within the real estate market. His honesty and dedication is second to none and I would always turn to him for expertise, and be confident to get only the best possible results.

 

Sukhi Panesar, SIPP Food and Beverage t/as Burger King

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