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United Property Services (UPS) unveiled it has expanded its offerings as the firm looks to play a vital role in establishing “iconic” retail precincts across the country.
The design-led retail property solutions provider announced that retail owners and developers can now tap UPS for asset management services. The latest offering stacks up with its current retail leasing, advisory, design management, and place strategy services.
According to UPS, the offering expansion allows the company to provide a holistic client-centric service offering to market players who are on a mission to “reimagine” Australia’s retail landscape.
The firm stated that the launch of the new service is in recognition of an observed surge in demand for experienced strategic retail advice and creative solutions and as retail owners and developers pivot their propositions to align with that of the evolving industry.
“Retail has always evolved; it is just evolving faster than ever before, meaning the old retail property rulebook is out. Our focus at UPS is on working with retail owners and developers to create destinations where customers feel connected and stay longer,” UPS founder and director Patrick Sergi stated.
“We believe over the next decade you’ll see the design of some of the world’s best retail experiences in the world here in Australia — as innovative landlords, developers and heritage assets adapt to this new retail world.”
To ensure the expansion gets off on a solid footing, UPS revealed that the firm’s new property management arm would be led by Lisa Wood, who has two decades of specialist experience in asset management services under her belt.
Ms Wood steps into the asset management director position following seven years of working as a senior asset manager for real assets at AXA Investment Managers — a stint that UPS touts has honed her skills in the field and made her well versed in handling diverse and varied requirements of local and international owners.
Adding more gravitas to her credentials, UPS also revealed that Ms Wood has previously held senior positions at industry giants, including Stockland, Capital and Westfield.
Ms Wood expressed her enthusiasm for aligning with UPS during a critical time for the country’s retail industry. “As we emerge from a pandemic era, we have the opportunity to shape a new landscape. I look forward to putting my experience and skills to work for UPS’ clients to deliver tangible, sustainable outcomes,” Ms Wood said.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Sergi highlighted that Ms Wood adds a strong figure to their asset management team. “The expansion into asset management is a key piece in our comprehensive client-centric offering for our clients, and Lisa’s wealth of experience will offer our clients some of the best thinking from around the globe.”
There are early indications that the firm’s asset management is already drawing strong interest from retail owners and developers.
Since it was unveiled, the firm’s new property management arm has already secured new clients, including retail podiums at Novotel Canberra and Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.
UPS credited its early success in bagging key clients to its owner-operating model, which the firm claims resonates with developers and retail owners.
Mr Sergi acknowledged that the industry continues to face headwinds following heavy disruption over the last two years, naming the talent drain for experienced professionals in the retail property sector as a “big factor” holding back the industry at this time.
But the executive remains optimistic, stating that UPS continues to see the value that Australian retail assets bring to consumers by creating engaging spaces with the potential to rival global destination counterparts.
Looking forward, he forecasts there will be strong demand for its offering as the retail sector continues to strive to reach new heights.
“While the industry faces many challenges, as a firm, we’re excited and see this period as an opportunity for owners to excel and adapt their retail assets, setting a new standard for Australian retail precincts,” Mr Sergi stated.
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