Stärka expands teams as client roster grows
Stärka, a leisure real estate advisory business founded by Sammy Jones and David Bell, has doubled in size with two new appointments as the business celebrates deals totalling over 400,000 sq ft so far this year.
With 20 years’ experience in the UK and Australia, Richi Peters joins as a consultant after eight years running his own business. Richi brings with him a deep understanding of the leisure sector, and has previously worked at Savills and GVA. In his new role at Stärka, Richi’s specialist knowledge in tenant representation and acquisitions will provide creative property advice to new and existing clients.
Richi Peters, consultant at Stärka, said: “The time was right for a new challenge, one that would give me the opportunity to help grow a business, and there is no better place to do that than Stärka. I have joined a very exciting agency with very forward-thinking clients. I am committed to delivering at a fast and effective pace, and look forward to bringing my expertise and experience to Stärka and its clients.”
Since launching in January, the Stärka team has been instrumental in a large number of significant transactions and re-gears this year. Totalling over 400,000 sq ft, these include the 100,000 sq ft letting to Gravity at Liverpool ONE, acting on behalf of Grosvenor. The team also secured the largest restaurant deal outside London, representing Chotto Matte for a new 20,000 sq ft rooftop at the St Michael’s Development in Manchester. They also worked with The Earls Court Development Company to secure a 30,000 sq ft space for The Lost Estate. Other key deals include securing a 10,000 sq ft prime site in Oxford city centre for Gusto, a flagship site for Oowee Vegan in Brighton, sites for Slim Chickens in Liverpool ONE and Manchester Arndale, and acting for DTZ IM on the re-gear of Vue Cinema at the Printworks, Manchester’s premier entertainment destination.
Sammy Jones, co-founder, commented: “Our company ethos is passion, energy and enthusiasm, and since we launched in January our successes have been incredible. This is a testament to the team’s dedication, expertise and our commitment to providing a bespoke service for all our clients. We are innovators and, with Richi and Kate joining us, we are in a great position to expand further in the leisure, restaurant and lifestyle sectors to deliver our vision.”
Stärka has secured new clients including Everyman Cinema, Blacklock, Chotto Matte, 92 Degrees, Parthian Climbing and Oxygen FreeJumping, and is also retained by Hickory’s Smokehouse. The number of landlord mandates has grown to include Grosvenor, DTZ IM, Schroders and DS Properties. Stärka not only covers the entire UK, but also the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Alongside Richi Peters, Kate Buswell has joined Stärka as an apprentice. Kate will work closely with the team to develop her experience within the F&B and leisure industry, benefitting from the founders’ combined 40-years’ experience.