How we can help you
Asset & Portfolio
Valuation
Business Rates Advice
Property Management
Green Energy & Sustainability
Lease Advisory
Building Consultancy
Acquisition & Disposal
Geospatial Data Solutions (GDS)
Telecoms Consultancy
Strategic Estate Asset Review
Planning Consultancy
Case study | Moulton College
Our solutions
• Identified surplus non-core assets and advised on options of sale and lease
• Advised on property compliance, rent reviews, lease terms, and boundary and access matters and undertaken condition surveys
• Provided planning support for grant funding applications
• Assisted with strategic estate planning and business rates advice
The benefits
• Negotiated a commercial rent review saving the client £23.5k per annum
• Increased rent income by £30k per annum through letting surplus buildings
• Stabilised risks of tenancies with security of tenure rights
• Successfully submitted agricultural subsidy applications to bolster income
“ “
Molly Skinner
We make so students can thrive. property management effortless, Associate Partner
Asset & Portfolio Valuations
In the face of significant economic and financial pressures, alongside the consolidation and growth of school groups and the increasing acquisition of UK independent schools by overseas buyers and property investors, the need for precise valuations of educational assets and portfolios has never been greater.
Our team of specialist valuers provide asset and portfolio valuations for a range of purposes:
• Acquisitions purposes
• Disposals
• Mergers
• Sale and lease backs
• Ground rent transactions
• Statutory accounts
• Charities Act
• Secured lending
• Landlord and tenant
• Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax
Our experienced national team of RICS Registered Valuers is renowned for delivering accurate and unbiased valuations of both operational and non-operational properties, supported by a rigorous valuation methodology.
Every Valuation Report we produce:
• Fully complies with RICS regulations
• Is conducted by an RICS Registered Valuer
• Is peer-reviewed by an RICS Registered Valuer
• Adheres to RICS-approved professional indemnity policies
Whether the valuation is required for statutory accounts, secured lending, or new capital projects, every report is carefully tailored to meet the unique reporting requirements of the client team and delivered promptly to accommodate tight deadlines.
Above all, our Valuation Reports empower clients to make well-informed financial and strategic decisions.
Our experienced has earned a reputation for providing accurate and impartial valuations. national team of RICS Registered Valuers
“We had an excellent service from Emily and her team. We would happily go back to Fisher German for any future valuations.
“
New Collaborative Learning Trust
Our solutions
• The property will be inspected promptly following instruction, ensuring minimal disruption to the school’s daily activities
• Comparable evidence will be reviewed to substantiate our valuation opinion
• A Depreciated Replacement Cost assessment will also be carried out as a cross-check against the comparables
• The final valuation will be presented in an RICS Red Book report, in accordance with RICS guidelines and financial reporting standards
The benefits
• A comprehensive, compliant report designed to underpin the valuation for financial reporting purposes
• It offers a clear overview of the school, pinpointing its strengths and weaknesses in relation to its value
• The report also identifies potential alternative uses for the premises, should the school become vacant
Case study | Dinnington School
Case study | Chatsworth Schools
Our solutions
• Inspection of the property within a short timeframe from instruction with minimal disturbance to the operation of the school
• Consideration of comparables to support our opinion of value
• Consideration of the trading position to further support our opinion of value
• RICS compliant Red Book report to submit alongside the submission to HMRC
The benefits
• A robust and compliant RICS report which supports the clients position with HMRC
• Minimises tax liability and reduces costs in negotiating values with HMRC
• Provides an overview of the current education market
Fred Knipe Chatsworth Schools “ “ They have a methodical approach and provide a professional robust report They managed to turn the report around in a very efficient timeframe.
Planning Consultancy
Are you considering:
• Extending, refurbishing or modifying an existing building
• Undertaking works involving a listed building or other designated heritage asset
• Constructing a new facility on land already owned by your educational institution
• Selling surplus buildings or land to a developer, potentially with planning permission to enhance the asset’s value
• Acquiring a building or piece of land that may require a change of use?
Our experienced planning consultants are here to help you assess your options and determine the best course to achieve your educational facility’s strategic, financial and operational objectives.
We offer:
• Expert advice on opportunities, risks and the most suitable strategy for your planning appraisal, enabling you to make well-informed decisions
• Development of tailored strategies for public consultation and pre-application discussions, in addition to preparing and submitting planning applications
• Continuous monitoring and effective management of your planning application throughout the process
With a 97% approval rate for planning applications, our clients consistently return to us, confident in our expertise and results.
Scott O’Dell
Case study | Uppingham School
Our solutions
• Minimising planning risk during the development of strategies
• Early engagement with Conservation Officers
• Pre-submission consultation with key stakeholders including the Local Planning Authority and Town Council
• Collaborating with a project team to prepare planning and listed building consent applications
The benefits
• Favourable consents obtained within tight timescales on constrained sites
• Creating positive working relationships with stakeholders
• Diversification of school places with greater accessibility locally
• Delivering high quality learning environments
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Fisher German Planning Consultancy
Bespoke planning consultancy delivering exceptional results.
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Fisher German Property Agency
In a crowded education market, standing out matters. Let’s shape a campus that attracts the best.
Business Rates Advice
Business rates are an operational expense that is not fixed, and can change according to legislation and assessment.
Through years of experience, we know that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) records can contain errors, which can be successfully challenged.
In line with recent legislative changes, the charitable exemption for business rates applied to all private schools will no longer be available from 1 April 2025. As a result, most private schools will see their business rates liability increase by at least 80%. It is therefore essential to examine the Rateable Value closely and seek expert advice to ensure it is correct, and to take any necessary action.
With more than thirty years of proven success in contesting VOA business rates demands, particularly within the education sector, we have developed a strong reputation.
In the past five years alone, we have saved our clients more than £30 million across all sectors.
Jonathan Young
Head of Business Rates Consultancy
Our team of business rates specialists follows a three-step process when supporting educational facilities:
• Check the accuracy of asset information on the VOA’s database (such as floor areas)
• Challenge the VOA if the information, and therefore the Rateable Value, is incorrect
• Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if a resolution with VOA cannot be reached. We can support you to prepare and submit a precise and wellfounded case
From our experience, business rates are often overlooked in cost audits conducted by educational establishments, perhaps because they are considered a ‘government levied tax’ and assumed to be beyond challenge.
Our results prove otherwise: this cost can be contested, saving money for schools, universities, and colleges.
Our solutions
• Review the contractor’s test valuations and pursued appeals against the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
• Our appeals considered the various parts of the valuation process including age of buildings, allowances for flat roofs, extent of external landscaping as well as general calculation errors
• Successfully pursued appeals against several existing assessments achieving either a reduction to a nominal value or deletion of the assessment respectively
The benefits
• Following negotiations with the Valuation Officer, we achieved reductions on a total of 56 schools, both primary and secondary, totalling approximately £250,000
• Resulting in a total saving in rates liability to the Council of approximately £550,000
Case study | Sir y Fflint Flintshire
We add value by combining our to help future-proof your assets. technical skills with creative problem solving “ “
Dan Weatherall Senior Associate, Building Consultancy
Building Consultancy
RAAC, which affects fewer than 1% of schools and colleges across the UK, has brought increased public attention to the state of school buildings and the associated risks for pupils, staff, and visitors.
This issue has underscored the necessity of thorough and regularly scheduled condition surveys for educational facilities, including schools, universities, and colleges.
Our team of experienced building consultants go beyond conducting comprehensive condition surveys for acquisition and reporting purposes; they also prioritise essential remedial works.
We offer services such as:
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPMs) to minimise unforeseen disruptions, reduce longterm repair expenses, and enhance safety
• Providing expert advice on building regulations to support decision makers
• Assisting with occupational reconfigurations to accommodate evolving operational needs and improve the educational environment
• Carrying out repairs and maintenance tasks
• Acting as the ‘Employer’s Agent’, representing clients as contract administrators for designbid-build projects
• Project managing construction works to ensure completion within agreed timelines and budgets
• Conducting building insurance valuations and reinstatement cost assessments
• Delivering heritage consultancy to guide alterations, repairs, refurbishments, and changes of use for heritage buildings
• Preparing Heritage Impact Assessments to explain our designs, demonstrate conservationcentred solutions, and clarify impacts on heritage value; these are submitted with planning and listed building consent applications
• Collaborating closely with supply chain specialists in the heritage sector, including engineers and archaeologists
• Designing, tendering, and contract administering works for specialist contractors, while overseeing the implementation of our designs
Ultimately, we create added value by blending technical expertise with innovative problem solving and a steadfast commitment to delivering projects within budget and on schedule.
We are dedicated to helping you safeguard and future-proof your assets and portfolio.
Property Management
For us, property management is centred on ensuring that educational facilities:
• Provide a safe environment for learning, working, and visiting
• Meet all relevant property legislation, regulations, and guidelines
• Make the most of their property assets
• Run efficiently, considering operational, occupancy, and energy use
Our experienced property management team is well versed in the distinct operational needs and occupancy patterns of the education sector.
We complement your educational facility’s maintenance team by focusing on the more strategic aspects of property ownership - issues which go beyond the day-to-day maintenace plan.
Their proven expertise covers:
Our strategic advice
• Ensures that short- and medium-term property strategies are closely aligned with the educational facility’s strategic, occupancy, and financial objectives
• Provides advice on ways to diversify and explore alternative uses for non-core assets, generating new revenue streams to be reinvested in the facility
• Provides in-depth knowledge of the property and land portfolio, allowing us to uncover operational efficiencies, cost savings, and income opportunities, thereby supporting informed decision-making
Our property management involves:
• Selecting, appointing, and overseeing contractors
• Offering guidance on access and rights issues affecting the facility and its assets, such as boundary disputes, rights of way, wayleaves, or easements
• Managing third-party occupancy arrangements and day-to-day tenant relations
Associate Partner Molly Skinner
Case study | Independent School
Our solutions
• The schools non-core assets were subject to a secure Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancy agreement - which granted the tenant lifetime rights to occupy the land at a lower than market rent
• Following a review of assets suitable we identified some tenanted land that fitted the school’s requirements. We reviewed the tenancy and advised the school on options to move forward, each with their own benefits to provide the optimal outcome
The benefits
• Transformation of asset for greater use to the school
• Increase in capital value
• Increased income - the asset could be relet to the previous tenant when not in use
• Unlocked asset for future use
• Maintained relationship between tenant and the school Explore your
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Managing properties throughout their ownership lifecycle.
Our experts craft tailored asset strategies to help your campus thrive.
Acquisition & Disposal
Acquiring or disposing of buildings or land requires a unique combination of experience and expertise, underpinned by deep local knowledge all supported by a thorough understanding of national trends.
Our team of acquisition & disposal experts will:
• Monitor forthcoming and current market listings to stay abreast of competitive activity and pricing patterns
• Negotiate optimal terms on your behalf
• If disposing of an asset, deploy a comprehensive marketing strategy, incorporating both our broad network of contacts and a targeted digital campaign
• If acquiring an asset, carefully assess your occupational needs, financial goals and location preferences prior to evaluating suitable on- and offmarket options
• Maintain close communication with your team throughout every phase of the transaction
• Collaborate seamlessly with your legal and financial advisors to ensure the process is both efficient and timely
Our technical capabilities are enhanced by our appreciation for working alongside client teams whose primary aim is nurturing bright young minds, rather than overseeing property deals.
This understanding shapes the way we engage and manage our relationship with your team.
Tom Pike
Partner
We will help you make an informed decision and ensure your property plan complies with and delivers your strategic, financial and occupational ambitions.
Our focus on not only yields financial rewards but also fosters healthier work environments. highly efficient buildings “ “
Green Energy & Sustainability
Green energy & sustainability offers a host of advantages for educational institutions.
It can:
• Enable your facility to reduce expenditure
• Unlock new revenue opportunities
• Stand out in a competitive sector where net zero carbon targets and environmental responsibility are increasingly prioritised
How energy efficient are your buildings? Facilities that maximise efficiency not only yield notable cost savings but also foster improved environments for staff and students.
If you are considering ways to assess and enhance your buildings’ efficiency or seeking to cut energy expenses, our team of experts in green energy and sustainability are available to assist.
Generating clean energy on-site may present a lucrative source of income and further
Darren Edwards
Head of Green Energy & Sustainability
strengthen your institution’s environmental reputation. However, successfully implementing such initiatives requires specialist advice, as it is essential to:
• Select the right technology and installation partner
• Agree suitable contract and payment arrangements, which can be intricate
• Secure comprehensive servicing and maintenance agreements to ensure long-term reliability and performance
We suggest the following initial steps:
• Conduct a feasibility audit
• Explore all available alternatives
• Develop a bespoke cost and benefit analysis
This approach will enable your leadership team to determine whether adopting a green strategy is the right fit for your educational facility.
Geospatial Data Solutions (GDS)
Establishing the boundary of an educational facility is essential to minimise conflict and disputes, and to prevent issues such as encroachments, trespassing and overlapping claims with neighbouring landowners.
Reliable geospatial data is also a vital component of acquisition or merger due diligence.
Our services extend to profiling local neighbourhoods by key demographics, such as the number of households with children within a school’s catchment area, or within specified drive or walk times from the facility. If required, our reports can include an overview of planning applications within a set distance from the school, supporting our clients’ strategic planning efforts.
From experience, we understand that even seemingly simple boundary disputes can escalate into costly and protracted legal matters.
Our comprehensive, data-driven maps enable you to make informed decisions early on, or provide Land Registry-compliant plans for development or transactional projects, whether acquisition or disposal.
Our team brings together deep expertise and technical proficiency in geospatial mapping and data analysis.
We will deliver precise, validated data to help you reach prompt agreements and avoid the risk of expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming boundary-related complications.
“ “
Our data-driven maps are your strategic advantage.
Matthew Turner Associate Partner, Geospatial Data Solutions (GDS)
Lease Advisory
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant considering renting or letting a premises, navigating the complexities of commercial leasing can be daunting.
The process often brings a host of challenges and uncertainties, and mistakes may be costly, both financially and to your reputation.
Lease renewals, extensions, restructures, and the intricacies of being “Inside the Act” or “Outside the Act” under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 can be particularly confusing for those unfamiliar with the landscape.
Our lease advisory specialists are here to help. We have extensive experience advising a diverse range of education providers, including private schools, academies, nurseries, and universities.
Our guiding principles are equity and sustainability, and we are committed to:
• Delivering a smart, strategic, and responsive service
• Securing the most advantageous terms
• Negotiating robustly yet fairly, whether for:
• New leases
• Rent reviews
• Lease renewals
• Restructuring or regearing leases
• Advising on education lease terms and surrenders
Our expertise combines in-depth market knowledge with a thorough understanding of relevant legal frameworks, advanced technical skills, and clear, regular communication with our clients.
Head of Commercial Lease Advisory
Rupert Collis
Case study | University
Our solutions
• Advice was required on rental levels in the building and the option of being able to extend both leases beyond 2029
• Negotiating the rent review with the landlord and agreeing a nil increase
• Reporting on lease re-gear options, including merging the facility into one floor
• Advising client on timing of negotiations with the landlord
The benefits
• Certainty on future rental levels
• Consideration of financial benefits of re-gearing using market knowledge of incentives being offered by landlords
• Option for building surveying team to advise on existing and future dilapidations liabilities
Rent renewals made easy
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Whether you are a landlord or tenant, we know that the end of a commercial lease can be a testing time.
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Our experts craft tailored asset strategies to help your campus thrive.
Fisher German Strategic Asset Management
Fisher German Lease Advisory
Our experienced team of telecoms property specialists has leases, licences and wayleave agreements on behalf of land and property owners across the UK. negotiated over 10,000 “ “
Telecoms Consultancy
The Government’s initiative to expand telecoms infrastructure nationwide may inadvertently create challenges for landlords and property owners who are asked to host such equipment.
Recent changes in legislation have bolstered operators’ rights to install, inspect, upgrade, and maintain telecoms apparatus, while also introducing a ‘no-scheme’ valuation method for determining the rents payable for these sites.
Our dedicated team of telecoms property specialists has provided guidance to over 6,000 organisations, including educational institutions across the country.
With our in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation, we are equipped to assist you in the following ways:
• Assess any proposals from operators to ensure they support your strategic and financial objectives
• Help you decline approaches when they are not in your interests
• Clarify the long-term value of any agreement, extending beyond the initial price
• Negotiate with operators to secure the most favourable terms
• Oversee contracts to ensure compliance with leases, licences, and wayleave agreements
Chris Hicks
Head of Telecoms
Strategic Estate Asset Review
We provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to strategic portfolio reviews, asset class evaluations, or assessments of individual assets.
Regardless of whether your educational estate comprises commercial, mixed-use, residential, or rural properties, our team possesses the expertise necessary to support you.
Secure the future of your property investments by exploring alternative solutions tailored to meet your long-term objectives.
Strategic portfolio review:
• Thorough statistical analysis and review
• Setting objectives, including Charities Act compliance
• Developing an portfolio strategy, with mergers and acquisitions scope
• Capital and revenue strategies, tax conside rations
• Optimising income streams
• Risk identification and mitigation strategies
• Political and legislative review
Asset class reviews:
• Income stream analysis
• Statistical reviews
• Performance benchmarking
• Funding and financing evaluation
• Acquisition and disposal strategies
Asset specific reviews:
• Options appraisals
• Financial modelling
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Collaboration with professional advisors
• Horizon scanning and strategic planning
• Sector benchmarking
• Sustainability assessment
• Asset classification review
• Establishing KPIs
• Developing management plans
• Liability mitigation
• Mapping growth opportunities
• Political and legislative horizon scanning
• Opportunity mapping
• Liability mitigation
• Change of use consideration
• Individual asset benchmarking
• Risk identification and management
• Asset liquidity review
We can help you to “ “ maximise revenue and minimise costs.
Kate Mason Associate Partner, Strategic Estate Asset Review
Our education partners
Looking to start a project?
For further information please get in touch
Molly Skinner Property Management
01234 827119
molly.skinner@fishergerman.co.uk
Chris Hicks Telecoms
01858 411202
chris.hicks@fishergerman.co.uk
Darren Edwards Green Energy & Sustainability
01858 411236
darren.edwards@fishergerman.co.uk
Scott O’Dell Planning
01530 567479 scott.odell@fishergerman.co.uk
Joanne Ziemelis Geospatial Data Solutions
01530 410683
joanne.ziemelis@fishergerman.co.uk
Tom Pike Acquisition & Disposal
01905 728440 tom.pike@fishergerman.co.uk
Emily Halpin Valuations 01295 236002
emily.halpin@fishergerman.co.uk
Jonathan Young Business Rates
0151 242 1081 jonathan.young@fishergerman.co.uk
Kate Mason Strategic Consultancy
01244 567705 kate.mason@fishergerman.co.uk
Tom Barton Building Consultancy
01530 567469 tom.barton@fishergerman.co.uk
Rupert Collis Agency & Lease Advisory
01565 745324
rupert.collis@fishergerman.co.uk
National expertise
With a national network of offices and over 800 dedicated professionals, we work collaboratively across the UK to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Our established expertise in the property and land sector is strengthened by our local presence, ensuring that every client benefits from both national reach and in-depth regional insight.