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Leathersellers’ Review 2024–2025
Property
Nick Dart Head of Property
HMS Audacious Citation report by Commander James Howard
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards Citation report by Captain Edward Cooper Corporal Aled Williams Corporal Williams has excelled over the past year, demonstrating exceptional leadership and initiative. Following his promotion he effectively led on Exercise Diamondback as a lead vehicle and seamlessly transitioned into the role of Troop Sergeant in the absence of a Sergeant, overseeing the fleet’s turnaround for Mounted Ranges on Operation Cabrit (P) 16 pre-deployment training. He played a key role in delivering dismounted tactics lessons, and facilitated the handover of the fleet to A Squadron before deploying on Operation Cabrit with the advance party. In Poland Corporal Williams efficiently managed the troop’s fleet and equipment, ensuring readiness for Exercise Resolute Warrior. He mentored junior soldiers, assigning tasks and providing support – particularly crucial as many had not deployed on Jackal vehicles before. During the exercise, he led the development of communications capabilities, showcasing innovation and commitment as Troop Sergeant. Post-exercise he swiftly readied the fleet for Exercise Tumac, demonstrating adaptability and initiative in collaboration with partner nations. His proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvement set him apart, earning respect within the Squadron as a steadfast and supportive figure. Despite his recent promotion he embraced the Troop Sergeant role, and, once relieved, had an excellent exercise as a lead vehicle in Estonia on Exercise Winter Camp. Corporal Williams consistently exceeds expectations, upholding high standards for himself and others. He is a respected figure within the Regiment, known for his physical and mental resilience and his willingness to assist fellow soldiers. His proactive mindset and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.
Leading Writer Jack Waterfield Acting Leading Writer Waterfield is the archetypal Submariner; intelligent, dedicated and highly professional, he is one of the most impressive Junior ratings onboard HMS Audacious . During the past year Waterfield has effectively deputised for the Petty Officer Writer as the Ship’s Office Manager, a role two ranks above his current grade, whilst the latter was acting as the submarine’s Coxswain. In this role he was responsible for the administration of pay, allowances and leave and the dissemination of orders to a ship’s company of 150 people. Leading a small team, he handled the role with minimal stress, using his experience to mentor junior members of his department and delegate tasks appropriately, all during a busy maintenance period when HMS Audacious has been displaced 500 miles from her base port. Using his spare capacity, LWTR Waterfield is currently working through the process of commissioning as a Logistics Officer with aspirations of becoming a Naval Barrister. Despite these individual ambitions he finds time to coach and mentor those also wishing to pursue a commission as an Officer, not only helping them to navigate the administrative burdens of the process but also assisting with the practicalities of passing the Admiralty Interview Board. An accomplished submariner, having served previously at sea in HMS Ambush , he offers his knowledge and experience to help trainees with Basic Submarine Qualification (BSQ) training, ensuring that they are able to progress with their taskbooks and earn the coveted ‘Dolphins’. Jack has a passion for the Service and the needs of the crew at heart, continually seeking to drive for improvement at every turn and delivering far more than could be expected in his current rank. He is quickly developing his individual leadership traits and has a bright future in the Submarine Service.
St Helen’s Place
St Helen’s Place This year marked the completion of all refurbishment and lettings projects in St Helen’s Place. Over the last decade and a half the six office buildings in the street have been completely upgraded starting with the old Hall premises at Number 15/16 being redeveloped by Brookfield into larger offices together with the construction of the 40-storey tower at 100 Bishopsgate, which was completed in 2019. Number 17 was totally refurbished some five years ago from top to bottom and is now the home of WeWork. At the far end, Exchequer Court has undergone various floor refurbishments and the reception was upgraded last year. At the other end of the street, in December 2024, the Company re-geared its interest in Hasilwood
House, which has enabled some major refurbishment of a number of floors including a refurbished and impressive new reception. The Hall premises at 5-7 St Helen’s Place were completed in 2016 (officially opened in 2017 by the Earl of Wessex) and the offices over the year before. The redevelopment of Number 3 was completed in March 2023. With all the offices having been either redeveloped or refurbished, the street is now a destination for high quality offices in the City. Further, the prime location of the City has shifted east of Gresham Street towards the Company’s holding in the middle of the new cluster of office towers that have changed the skyline over the last 15 years. Both managed buildings, 3 and 5 St Helen’s Place, are fully let with ten companies occupying Number 3 and six
in situ at Number 5. In addition to the St Helen’s Place offices being upgraded en masse, the street has undergone a recent cosmetic uplift, including repainted heraldry and signs, new planters and a refurbished gatehouse. Looking to the immediate future, with the redevelopment of Number 5 having been completed a decade ago, our thoughts are now turning towards a series of planned refurbishment works with both the comfort of our tenants and environmental considerations in mind.
Barnet Further work is being carried out
(valuation and condition survey reports) to establish the best strategies for the Foundation and Company in respect of their holdings in Barnet.
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