News
The end of the world as we know it?

2020 saw life change for us all with unprecedented changes in our personal and working lives. Indeed, months of restrictions in our working conditions and movements has been tough on us all. Whilst the Government suggested that landlords should be sympathetic to the plight of their tenants and from our experience as a company those that could, did try their best with rental reductions or other such schemes where their own personal circumstances allowed. Of course, what about lease expiries – well they continued undeterred by the ongoing pandemic. It is safe to say that Dilapidations remains a huge … Read More →
Client Requirement

Locations – Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Dunfermline Specification – Surfaced sites with power and drainage preferred but all considered Size – 2 acres approx. Use – Container storage Tenure – Lease with option to purchase Please send all details, with quoting rent / pricing and site plans to: Jonathan Nesbitt – E: jonathan.nesbitt@fgburnett.co.uk T: 01224 597531 / 07771 923401
Business Rates During a Pandemic

Rarely does a day go by without business rates appearing in the national press, and its impacts are under even greater scrutiny following Covid-19. What is the government’s response and what can ratepayers do to alleviate the rating burden during this challenging time? There is some positive news for all, a 1.6% universal reduction in all rates liability for this financial year. However, this only reverses the increase to the national rates poundage used to calculate rates bills. Many businesses not eligible for Covid relief schemes have not seen any real reduction in their liability. There are also cases where … Read More →
North East industrial lease secured

Acting on behalf of recently formed J+S Subsea, FG Burnett are delighted to have negotiated the lease acquisition of a substantial 16,500 sq.ft office and workshop building at Midmill, Kintore, Aberdeenshire – the landlord is Uppermill Farms. Matthew Blair, Executive Chairman at J+S Subsea comments: “As part of our growth strategy, J+S Subsea are pleased to have secured this property at Midmill, with the able assistance of FG Burnett guiding and advising us throughout the process.“ Colin Wood, Operations Director at Malcom Allan Housebuilders comments: Malcolm Allan and the team at Uppermill Farms Ltd are very pleased to welcome J+S … Read More →
Letting secured to popular Aberdeen retailer

FG Burnett have acted for the landlord in the letting of 10000 sq ft of retail space at 107 George Street to a popular Aberdeen retailer, Nickel & Dime, who have relocated from Aberdeen Market and upsized into their new unit allowing them to expand product range. The property is located close to the Northern entrance of Bon Accord Centre and opposite the John Lewis Department Store. Richard Noble of FG Burnett commented “We were delighted to assist with the Nickel & Dime move and wish them every success in this new location, they will certainly drive additional footfall. We … Read More →
Sainsbury’s sign up at Countesswells

Multiple food retailer Sainsbury’s have signed up for a 4000 sq.ft convenience store at Countesswells, the new community West of Aberdeen. Ultimately there will be 3000 homes at Countesswells, together with schools, health and leisure facilities as well as retail and business space. Sainsbury’s, who have signed up to a long term lease will anchor the Neighbourhood Centre, scheduled for completion in May 2021. As well as Sainsbury’s there will be 3 further shops each of 1000 sq.ft together with customer car parking. The Neighbourhood scheme will be located next door to the community’s first primary school and is located … Read More →
Trio of West End Deals

It is heartening to see that retail deals are being concluded in Aberdeen despite the challenging economic background. Agents FG Burnett report that they have completed a number of deals recently. The former Nova property at 20/24 Chapel Street has been sold to a private investor and following refurbishment is now occupied by “Copper & Grey”, a second unit for them following the success of their Banchory branch which opened in 2018. Owner Katherine Canning said “We are delighted to be opening a new store so quickly. It has been a difficult few months for many businesses and we couldn’t … Read More →
Breaking News: Revaluation 2022 Postponed

In disappointing news, especially for north-east ratepayers, the Scottish Government has announced that the 2022 business rates revaluation is postponed by one year to 1 April 2023 in line with England and Wales. However, in a different approach to south of the border, the 2023 Revaluation will be based on levels of value prevailing at 1 April 2022 (England & Wales 1 April 2021), a move to a one year valuation date in place of the previously long-standing two year period. The measure to have a one year “tone” date brings forward the recommendation in the Barclay Review of Business … Read More →
Extension to Statutory Deadline Announced

The Scottish Government has announced a one year extension to the statutory deadline date for disposing of all 2017 Revaluation appeals to 31st December 2021 instead of 2020. The extension to the end of 2021 also applies to all other appeals with a disposable deadline of 31st March 2021 and this is particularly relevant to material change appeals submitted following coronavirus (tens of thousands across Scotland). This change follows the interruption to the appeal resolution process brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic which saw a suspension of all Valuation Appeal Committee activity. This is welcome news, especially for those very … Read More →
Union Street, Aberdeen – Occupier Update (9th Aug 2020)

Back in February I carried out a survey of Union Street’s commercial units; how may vacancies there were amongst the 188 total on its North & South sides. It’s fair to say that everyone’s world has changed since February. I carried out the 6 monthly survey again yesterday. Union Street had changed hugely given the physical distancing measures that have been put in place but there have been relatively few changes in occupational terms. Note that the survey reflects the situation as at a specific date even although there will, as always, be deals in the pipeline. The number of … Read More →