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Some occupiers now feel more valued by the property industry
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‘They have had a big learning curve, but they are starting to build relationships now. As times get tough, they realise the importance of making an effort.’
‘Generally landlords do value tenants and over a period of time this relationship has improved.’
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| Some attribute the improvement in the relationship to the recession
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‘At the moment everyone is contacting us and trying to start a relationship with us. Anyone who is in the building industry is looking for new clients.’
‘There are more and more premises available and in the present economic situation landlords have to treat us with more respect.’
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| Occupiers mention considerable variation within the property industry
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‘Some landlords show that they value us by their approach. The individual landlords are more difficult. The institutions are more flexible and recognise the change in conditions and the need to treat us customers.’
‘We get treated well by three or four major landlords and by one or two major managing agents. The major ones are switched on. They understand the implications of losing income if they don't treat us well. We have some "preferred supplier" landlords.’
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| Some feel that they are not valued at all
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‘I do not think the property industry treats me as a valued customer at all because there is an excess of demand for property and a lack of supply. There is almost an element of disdain.’
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| Others feel valued only up the point that they sign the lease
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‘When they're courting us we are valued. When we've signed, we're not.’
‘You're flavour of the moment until you're signed.’
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| And some feel like cash cows
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‘The property industry looks on us a a cash cow. Once you're in a property, they're not that interested in you.’
‘They treat us as a valued customer because we are considered a cash cow. Being in the public sector, there is the guarantee that we are not going to go bust.’
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| Covenant and brand strength influences the relationship
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‘This is shown by their willingness to approach us and offer monthly rent without even having to ask. They want our covenant.’
‘More often than not we are valued because of our brand. I am not sure that smaller organisations are valued as much as we are. We get preferential treatment.’
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| Smaller businesses tend to feel under-valued
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‘They don't place value on small businesses, they would rather be building great big buildings.’
‘They treat us as a commodity, which I accept because we're not a top drawer customer.’
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Project team
Do you agree or disagree with the statement “The property industry treats me as a value customer”?