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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Market Challenges

No business journey is without its challenges, and Fisher Wrathall Commercial has weathered its share of storms. The early 1990s recession, the dot-com bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, and the uncertainties of Brexit all tested the resilience of the North West property market. Each time, the firm adapted-by focusing on core values, investing in staff training, and staying close to its clients.

During the 2008 financial crisis, for example, Fisher Wrathall Commercial worked closely with landlords and tenants to renegotiate leases, manage arrears, and find creative solutions to keep businesses afloat. Their pragmatic, empathetic approach helped many clients survive the downturn and emerge stronger.

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Embracing Technology

The 2010s brought rapid technological change to the property industry. Fisher Wrathall Commercial was quick to embrace digital marketing, online property portals, and new tools for valuation and property management. These innovations allowed the firm to reach a wider audience, provide faster and more accurate information, and deliver an even higher standard of service.

Yet, despite these advances, the company never lost sight of the importance of personal relationships. In an age of automation, Fisher Wrathall Commercial’s clients continued to value the firm’s local knowledge, face-to-face advice, and commitment to going above and beyond.

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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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A Culture of Service

What sets Fisher Wrathall Commercial apart is its culture of service. The team is known for its attention to detail, its willingness to listen, and its determination to find the right solution for every client. Whether working with a multinational corporation or a local start-up, the firm treats every instruction with the same care and commitment.

Staff development is a priority, with ongoing training and support to ensure the team stays at the forefront of industry best practice. This investment in people has paid dividends, with many clients returning year after year and recommending the firm to others.

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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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Enhanced Client Service

For clients, the merger means access to a larger team, a wider range of services, and even deeper local knowledge. The combined firm is able to draw on the strengths of both legacy businesses, ensuring that every client benefits from best-in-class advice and support.

The merger has also enabled significant investment in technology, marketing, and staff development, further enhancing the firm’s ability to deliver results in a fast-changing market.

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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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Integrity and Trust

Throughout its history, Fisher Wrathall Commercial has been guided by a simple principle: do the right thing for the client. This commitment to integrity has earned the firm the trust of generations of businesses, investors, and institutions.

The company is proud to act for a diverse client base, from private individuals and family trusts to major corporations and public sector bodies. Many clients have been with the firm for decades, a testament to the quality of service and advice they receive.

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Community Involvement

Fisher Wrathall Commercial is more than just a business-it’s an active part of the communities it serves. The firm supports local charities, sponsors community events, and encourages staff to volunteer their time and expertise. This sense of responsibility is reflected in the way the company approaches its work, always considering the wider impact of its advice and actions.

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Adapting to Change

The commercial property market never stands still. Economic cycles, technological innovation, changing work patterns, and evolving client expectations all present new challenges and opportunities. Fisher Wrathall Commercial is committed to staying ahead of the curve-investing in technology, developing new services, and continually enhancing its expertise.

The merger with Garside Waddingham is a key part of this strategy, providing the scale and resources needed to compete in a dynamic, competitive market. The firm is also focused on sustainability, supporting clients to meet new environmental standards and embrace greener ways of working.

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A Vision for Growth

Looking ahead, Fisher Wrathall Commercial aims to build on its legacy of excellence while expanding its reach and impact. The firm is actively seeking new opportunities in emerging sectors such as life sciences, technology, and logistics, as well as continuing to support traditional markets like retail, office, and industrial.

With a larger team, a broader geographic footprint, and an unwavering commitment to client service, Fisher Wrathall Commercial is well positioned to lead the North West’s commercial property market for decades to come.

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Conclusion

The history of Fisher Wrathall Commercial is a story of vision, resilience, and partnership. From its roots in Lancaster to its current position as a regional leader, the firm has always put clients first-offering expert advice, building lasting relationships, and making a positive difference in the communities it serves.

The recent merger with Garside Waddingham marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, bringing together two of the North West’s most respected names in commercial property. Together, they offer unmatched knowledge, experience, and capability-ensuring that clients receive the very best advice and support, whatever their property needs.

As Fisher Wrathall Commercial looks to the future, it does so with confidence, ambition, and a continued commitment to the values that have defined its journey so far. The North West’s commercial property market is changing, but with Fisher Wrathall Commercial at your side, you can be sure you’re in safe hands.

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.