In the world of commercial property, longevity and adaptability are rare qualities. Markets shift, client needs evolve, and the economic landscape is in constant flux. Yet, some firms not only withstand these changes but thrive because of them. Fisher Wrathall Commercial is one such company-a business whose history is deeply entwined with the growth and transformation of Lancaster and the wider North West region. From its humble beginnings in the 1980s to its recent merger with Preston’s Garside Waddingham, Fisher Wrathall Commercial’s journey is a testament to vision, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to clients and community.

This is the story of Fisher Wrathall Commercial: its origins, its evolution, its people, and its future as a powerhouse in the North West’s commercial property sector.

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The Early Days

The story of Fisher Wrathall Commercial begins in 1985, when two school friends-Mike Fisher and Cedric Wrathall-decided to combine their talents and local knowledge to serve the property needs of North Lancashire and South Cumbria. At the time, Lancaster’s commercial property market was far less developed than it is today. There were few specialist agencies, and most commercial transactions were handled by residential agents or national firms with little local insight.

Mike and Cedric saw an opportunity to do things differently. Their vision was simple: to offer a professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely local service to businesses, investors, and developers. From their first office on Penny Street, they set out to build a company that would become synonymous with integrity, expertise, and trust.

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Building a Reputation

The early years were marked by hard work and perseverance. Fisher Wrathall Commercial quickly distinguished itself through its deep understanding of the Lancaster market and its willingness to go the extra mile for clients. Whether advising a family business on the purchase of a new retail unit, helping a local entrepreneur find the perfect office space, or assisting investors in identifying development opportunities, the firm’s approach was always hands-on and client-focused.

Word spread, and Fisher Wrathall Commercial’s reputation grew. By the early 1990s, the firm had become the go-to name for commercial property in Lancaster, trusted by local businesses, institutions, and investors alike.

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Expanding Services

As Lancaster grew, so did Fisher Wrathall Commercial. The company expanded its range of services to meet the changing needs of its clients. What began as a business focused on sales and lettings soon evolved into a comprehensive commercial property consultancy, offering:

• Valuations: For purchase, sale, taxation, and secured lending.
• Lease Advisory: Including rent reviews, lease renewals, and negotiations.
• Investment and Development: Sourcing and advising on commercial investments and development opportunities.
• Property Management: Managing multi-let office blocks, industrial estates, and retail parades.
• Professional Services: Including business rates advice, compulsory purchase, and expert witness work.

This diversification was driven by a commitment to provide clients with a one-stop solution for all their commercial property needs. The firm’s growing team brought together surveyors, valuers, property managers, and support staff-each contributing their expertise to deliver outstanding results.

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Key Projects and Local Impact

Fisher Wrathall Commercial played a pivotal role in many of Lancaster’s most significant commercial developments. The company was involved in the early phases of Lancaster Business Park, now a thriving hub for professional services and technology firms. They helped bring forward the Villas Court development, providing modern office space in the heart of the city. Their work on the St George’s Quay regeneration helped transform a neglected area into a vibrant mixed-use community.

These projects were more than just transactions-they were about shaping the future of Lancaster. The firm’s deep roots in the community gave it a unique perspective on how commercial property could support economic growth, create jobs, and enhance quality of life.

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A Team Built on Experience

One of Fisher Wrathall Commercial’s greatest strengths has always been its people. Over the years, the firm has assembled a team with more than 130 years of combined experience in commercial property. Many team members have been with the company for decades, providing continuity and a wealth of local knowledge.

The firm’s directors and senior surveyors are all qualified professionals, holding memberships with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and other leading industry bodies. Their expertise covers every aspect of commercial property, from retail and office to industrial and leisure.

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Merging with Garside Waddingham

By 2024, Fisher Wrathall Commercial was already the leading commercial property consultancy in Lancaster and North Lancashire. However, the directors recognised that the market was changing. Clients were increasingly looking for firms with broader geographic reach, deeper expertise, and the capacity to handle more complex transactions.

At the same time, Garside Waddingham-a highly respected commercial property and chartered surveying firm based in Preston-was seeking to expand its footprint and service offering. With over 100 years of combined surveying experience and a reputation for professional, client-focused advice, Garside Waddingham was the ideal partner.

The merger, completed in early 2025, brought together two of the North West’s most trusted names in commercial property. The combined firm now offers unparalleled coverage across Lancaster, Preston, Cumbria, South Lancashire, North Cheshire, and Merseyside.

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What Garside Waddingham Brings

Garside Waddingham’s expertise in chartered surveying, valuation, and professional services perfectly complements Fisher Wrathall Commercial’s strengths in agency, investment, and property management. The Preston team brings a wealth of experience in:

• Commercial and residential valuations for lending, tax, and accounting purposes
• Lease advisory and rent review negotiations
• Development appraisals and feasibility studies
• Expert witness and dispute resolution
• Building surveys and project management

This expanded skillset allows the merged firm to deliver even more comprehensive advice to clients, whether they are buying, selling, letting, investing, or developing commercial property.

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Shaping the North West’s Commercial Future

Fisher Wrathall Commercial and Garside Waddingham have been involved in some of the region’s most significant commercial property projects. Highlights include:

• Lancaster Business Park: Advising on lettings and sales for one of the North West’s premier office destinations.
• Eden Project North (Morecambe): Supporting land assembly and valuation work for this landmark regeneration project.
• Preston City Centre Regeneration: Providing valuation and agency advice on retail and leisure developments.
• Canal Quarter, Lancaster: Involvement in the planning and marketing of this major mixed-use redevelopment.

These projects reflect the firm’s commitment to supporting economic growth, job creation, and community revitalisation across the region.

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Supporting Local Businesses

Beyond major developments, Fisher Wrathall Commercial has always championed local businesses. The firm works with independent retailers, hospitality operators, manufacturers, and professional services firms-helping them find the right premises, negotiate favourable terms, and achieve their business goals.

The team’s in-depth knowledge of the local market means they can identify opportunities that others might miss, whether it’s an up-and-coming neighbourhood, a hidden gem of a property, or a new development with growth potential.

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For more information about Fisher Wrathall Commercial, our services, or the recent merger with Garside Waddingham, please contact our team. We’re here to help you succeed in the North West’s dynamic commercial property market.