The move forms an important part of Bidwells' business strategy which is to focus on the "Golden Triangle" (Oxford, Cambridge and London) – one of the most important clusters of science, technology and innovation in the world. It brings together complementary expertise, particularly in the science, engineering and digital sectors where Meeson Williams Phillips has a strong representation from their occupier consultancy, as well as instructions on 10 business and science parks, including the globally important Harwell campus in Oxfordshire.
There is also a synergy in Bidwells’ Planning team with the addition of Jonathan Phillips and Paul Semple from Meeson Williams Phillips. Jonathan is an acknowledged expert in the leisure and retail sectors acting for clients throughout the UK including the Azzurri Group, Dominos, Gordon Ramsay Group, Pizza Express and Stonegate Pub Company and Paul brings over 30 years' experience of the public and private sector in Oxfordshire.
Over the last few months, Bidwells has expanded its Oxford office at a determined rate to meet the needs of its growing client base. The firm currently advises 12 Oxford Colleges, the University of Oxford as well as many businesses and land owners in the city and surrounding area.
Established over 175 years ago, today Bidwells is one of the UK's leading multi-disciplined property consultancies. Providing a full range of services across the Commercial, Residential and Rural sectors, the firm focuses on high opportunity markets such as the science, technology and innovation sectors. It has advised Trinity College Cambridge on the Cambridge Science Park (the world's first science park) since its inception to date and was involved in the relocation by AstraZeneca's of its £330million global R&D center and corporate headquarters, to Cambridge.
Commenting on the merger, Patrick McMahon, Senior Partner at Bidwells said: "This is a perfect professional and cultural fit for us, as the move enables our clients to now access some of Oxford's leading commercial and planning experts, as well as one of the country's leading leisure and retail planning consultants."
David Williams added: "As a team, we all felt there was an excellent synergy between our two firms, in terms of both culture and ambition and we believe the only changes our clients will see are positive ones - such as the enhancement of services."
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