Business<br />Profiles 
Penn Commercial celebrated its milestone 15th anniversary in September 2022, and now boasts an expert team of ten, based at Fox's Marina in Ipswich, Suffolk.
The award-winning agency provides clients with a comprehensive commercial property service, encompassing rent reviews, valuations, surveys and property management for all market sectors, as well as consultancy and trend reporting.
The knowledgeable Penn Commercial team comprises negotiators, property managers, marketers and administrators, who in turn are supported by consultants, providing specialist ancillary services.
Managing Director, Vanessa Penn, said:
"One of our key strengths is that we have a finger on the pulse of what is going on locally. We know where the demand is and how to market property proactively and effectively.
“It’s led to us having dozens of clients, many of whom have been loyal to us from the outset, while others have come to us through personal recommendation.”
The growth of the Port of Felixstowe, already the leading container port in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, creates huge demand for all kinds of warehousing, logistics and industrial sites, as well as offices and premises for support services. Its designation as one of the UK’s new ‘Freeports’ will only serve to enhance its pre-eminent position in the UK and global economy.
Penn Commercial is the local letting agent for one of the most ambitious new logistics and distribution schemes being developed on the doorstep of the Port of Felixstowe. Orwell Logistics Park is a 60-acre site just a short distance from the Port, along the A14, which – when complete – will provide up to 1 million sq ft of high-quality, speculative-build units.
Penn Commercial also provides specialist advice and services across the agricultural sector, where many farmers and land-owners are looking to diversify into commercial property in order to safeguard their assets for the future and maximise their potential.
Oliver Paul, co-owner of Suffolk Food Hall, on the outskirts of Ipswich, has worked with Penn Commercial since the enterprise started in 2007:
“We have only ever used Penn Commercial to find other businesses that subscribe to our proposition. They take the time to gain a broader understanding of our site and strategic goals, and put forward unsolicited and imaginative ideas to further the business’ outreach.”
Penn Commercial has also been hands-on in arranging the sale and lettings of the iconic Maltings building in Ipswich town centre.
Acting on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council, Penn Commercial arranged the sale of this 27,000 sq ft Listed building – site of the former Hollywood nightclub – to Pertwee Estates. Penn then advised Pertwee on the reconfiguration of the building, in order to provide Grade A offices, as well as undertaking the marketing to let the office accommodation. Occupiers now include Network Rail and Miller Insurance, providing an attractive rent roll, and Penn is now marketing the scheme for sale as an investment.
In recent years, property management has become an increasingly important part of Penn Commercial’s business.
Paul Keen, Senior Associate, is responsible for Penn’s property management portfolio:
“Maintaining buildings and sites, taking care of any matters arising, and dealing with issues promptly and efficiently are the keys to success for any commercial property letting.
“At Penn Commercial, we are proactive in negotiating leases, arranging rent reviews and generally looking after the interests of both landlord and tenant.”
Penn Commercial is pleased to be involved in several successful management schemes, including at Sycamore Farm, Bramford, Ipswich, where it has sourced seven tenants, occupying ca. 14,000 sq ft.
Sycamore Farm owner Graeme Keep has entrusted Penn to manage and oversee his property portfolio for eight years:
“I have absolute confidence in the quality of the service that I receive from Penn Commercial in looking after my property interests. They save me a lot of work, time and money, with their efficient and proactive management of my properties.”
For further information, please contact:
Penn Commercial, Suite C, Orwell House, Fox’s Marina, The Strand, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8NJ.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / Tel: 01473 211933 / www.penncommercial.co.uk
