With the fight against coronavirus forcing many offices to close, Stratton Creber Commercial (SCC) remains open for business with its staff across Devon and Cornwall adopting remote working practices.

During these unprecedented times of self-isolation, demand for commercial property services remains surprisingly high, particularly in the area of property management.

SCC’s management surveyors have always taken a pro-active role in managing clients’ assets and, during these challenging times, have been busy delivering advice and recommendations.

Management surveyor Chris Reed says: “Understandably, many businesses are finding themselves in difficulties and we have been working with both clients and occupiers in implementing strategies to assist all parties in getting through unprecedented circumstances.

“It is essential in times like these that relationships between landlords and tenants are well managed. Communication over the past couple of weeks has been really strong and we are monitoring the position closely and reacting quickly to evolving situations.

“We are liaising with tenants regularly to maintain occupancy and income where possible and, where appropriate, agree measures to ease financial pressures.

“Recent legislative changes that offer more protection to commercial tenants and  landlords’ powers of enforcement require careful consideration when considering agreements with occupiers. It is therefore important to take advice before implementing agreements to ensure there are no unintended implied impacts on the longer-term lease position.

“In addition to landlord and tenant liaison, ongoing accounting support is also in place to ensure rent transfers and contractor payments continue while estate and service charge costs are continually reviewed to minimise the impact of any deferred payments.”

SCC’s management service also includes looking after the security and maintenance of unoccupied buildings and estates and ensuring continued insurance cover.

SCC is the most active commercial property agent in Devon and recently received the county’s ‘Most Active Agent Award’ – for the tenth year running – from EGi, the property industry’s leading journal.