Block Management Berkshire

As a specialist Block Management Company we are operating in Berkshire


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Block Management Overview

Block and Estate Management is about the minutia done well: the role of a Managing Agent is technical, administrative, practical and political. It takes joined up thinking from a multi-disciplined team with one eye on the strategic long term plan and with sufficient resource to react to whatever is necessary day-to-day: the skills that block and estate management spans are: politics, building pathology, finance, legal knowhow and of course customer service too.

As a leading Managing Agent, we are a one-stop-property shop. We understand that our role is sometimes signposting Clients to get expert advice and supporting them to interpret such advice and make decisions. We support and help owners reach out to government and other local services where matters are beyond our day-to-day block management remit.

As a Managing Agent we know our true business is building relationships with people. Our people are empowered and know that they can make a difference to how people feel about where they live. We call our 'Property Manager's 'Relationship Managers' as our focus which is written up in our values is (a) to build relationships, (b) add value, and (c) to take the initiative: to us this means managing relationships. We lead the market in transparency and focusing on risk, cash, repairs and place making, usually in that order, and was the first Managing Agent to introduce a 'money back guarantee'.

We are not shy of hard work and believe our ability to get stuck in and find solutions that sets us apart. We are innovative to the core and committed to implementing good ideas in pursuit of 5* service.

Being who we are would be impossible without our passionately committed people, whose qualifications we sponsor and who we support professionally to be the best they can be, as achieving a national training award and our Silver IIP status confirms.


Block Management Reviews

"Our property manager, Natalie Birmingham has made our experience with Ringley extremely positive, having moved some of the management of our commercial property over to Ringley.
Natalie's professionalism, promptness, and dedication to exceeding expectations has left a lasting impression. She responds promptly to any queries or comments that we have and what sets Natalie apart is her commitment to going above and beyond. "

Mitch 1 days ago

"Ringley have been supporting a number of leaseholders as managing agent - including myself - through a large insurance claim. It’s not an easy job managing 40+ different competing interests and I commend them for handling such a tricky situation. Dominic and Kate have been been responsive, informative and have advocated my needs and interests to all third party stakeholders. The claim will take a significant amount of time to resolve but had it not of been for Ringley I do not think we would have made any progress at all. I strongly recommend them."

Daniel 1 days ago

"We have had a problem with noise from the flat above us in Lady Isle House Ferry Court Cardiff. We contacted a Mr Paul Staniforth who immediately became involved and addressed the situation. We really do appreciate what he has done for us and cannot thank him enough. Once again a big thank you to Mr Staniforth. The noise above was intolerable."

Shane, 2 days ago

We work alongside those deploying capital: our VirginLand by Ringley identify sites, our capital markets team work on equity and debt, our Asset Managers act as Employer’s Agent during the build for Project Monitoring. Towards Practical Completion we will be preparing always to mobilse new assets, take plant handover, recruit great teams and lease up fast.
We work to enhance the value of our Client’s asset and demonstrate good governance. To us this means engaging with leaseholders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure they are engaged with the management of each development.
Our aim is to make Management Company Directors feel empowered: to us this means 100% transparency and advising them of the options available to support decision making. We know volunteer directors have a day job, so work to delivery what they need in a timely manner and guide them on the decisions we need.
Within The Ringley Group we have a range of professional practices to enable transactions: Land Find, Valuers, Surveyors, Engineers and of course Ringley Law.
We work closely with official receivers, asset owners, lenders and tax consultants to support property owners throughout each assets lifecycle.
We work alongside those deploying capital: our VirginLand by Ringley identify sites, our capital markets team work on equity and debt, our Asset Managers act as Employer’s Agent during the build for Project Monitoring. Towards Practical Completion we will be preparing always to mobilse new assets, take plant handover, recruit great teams and lease up fast.
We work to enhance the value of our Client’s asset and demonstrate good governance. To us this means engaging with leaseholders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure they are engaged with the management of each development.
Our aim is to make Management Company Directors feel empowered: to us this means 100% transparency and advising them of the options available to support decision making. We know volunteer directors have a day job, so work to delivery what they need in a timely manner and guide them on the decisions we need.
Within The Ringley Group we have a range of professional practices to enable transactions: Land Find, Valuers, Surveyors, Engineers and of course Ringley Law.
We work closely with official receivers, asset owners, lenders and tax consultants to support property owners throughout each assets lifecycle.
Why Ringley?

As a group of companies we are a diverse bunch with enough experts on board to be a one-stop-property-shop. We listen and align to each Client's goals so each of us knows what needs to be done all the while remaining innovative and solutions oriented - as a team - One Ringley.

We promise:
  • 100% transparency
  • to network and find solutions
  • focused committed people

We're confident our teams will rise to any challenge presented, so...
If you're not happy after 6 months, we will do the right thing

Why Ringley?

As a group of companies we are a diverse bunch with enough experts on board to be a one-stop-property-shop. We listen and align to each Client's goals so each of us knows what needs to be done all the while remaining innovative and solutions oriented - as a team - One Ringley.

We promise:
  • 100% transparency
  • to network and find solutions
  • focused committed people

We're confident our teams will rise to any challenge presented, so...
If you're not happy after 6 months, we will do the right thing

The Team

The key to our success is our people

Kate
London Office
Head of Block Management - London & SE
Richard
Cardiff Office
Head of Block Management - Wales & West
RichardNick
London Office
Block Management - National Head of Site Staff

Richard

Cardiff Office

Head of Block Management - Wales & West

Kate

London Office

Head of Block Management - London & SE

Nick

London Office

Block Management - National Head of Site Staff


History of Berkshire

 

Berkshire is not really in London, UK, but it is a historical county in the Southeast of England, located to the west of London. However, below is a brief outline of the history of Berkshire:

1. Early History:

Berkshire is very historic much so that it dates back to ancient times. Because it was home to several tribes of the Iron Age, and later under the Romans' rule the Roman occupation of Britain. The Romans built several roads and built settlements here.

2. Anglo-Saxon Period:

After the Romans had withdrawn from Britain in 5thCentury, Berkshire was included in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. This Anglo-Saxon king ruled a kingdom where the royal court was instituted by King Alfred the Great.

3. Norman Conquest and the Medieval Period :

Berkshire in general was shaped by the Norman Conquest. Following the conquest in 1066, William the Conqueror granted lands in Berkshire to his followers. The subsequent importation of noble marks in the name of followers led to the construction of many Norman castles and manor houses in the area. Along with becoming the historical ground for royal hunting, the county earned the reputation of agricultural betterment.

4. Tudor and Stuart Eras:

In the times of Tudor and Stuart, Berkshire continued growing and remained a rural county with a growing "agricultural and industrial economy". The royal status of Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, as a royal residence is from this period. It is an official residence of the British monarchy.

5. Industrial Revolution:

The Industrial Revolution brought broad changes in Berkshire, though still largely rural compared to its neighbours such as Middlesex and Surrey. Some industries developed, especially in the Reading and Maidenhead areas of the county

6. Recent Developments:

During the 20th century, Berkshire saw a lot of suburban growth and development, especially during the War period. This growth in towns such as Reading, Slough, and Bracknell then turned the county into what can be termed a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

7. County Changes:

Back in 1974, Berkshire was divided into various administrative districts under local government reorganization. The county of Berkshire was divided into six districts namely Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham.

8. Daily Life:

Today, Berkshire emerges as a combination of historic towns, new developments, scenic countryside, and cultural locations that bring residents and visitors to the backdrop of heritage, natural charms, and commercial activities. The history of Berkshire illustrates the making of England, from prehistoric times and being a royal county to its rise and transformation into the vibrant and cosmopolitan region it is today.

Most prestigious roads in Berkshire

 

Berkshire is not a part of London; it is a county-based to the west of London. However, it has various luxurious and ace roads and areas that have been privileged with opulent neighborhoods, historical values, and natural beauty. Following is a list of some of the ace and most prestige roads and areas in Berkshire:

1. Windsor Great Park:

Windsor Great Park is a vast royal park that includes The Long Walk, the tree-lined avenue running from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse statue of King George III. It reflects all stately beauty filled with historic interest.

2. Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water:

The Wentworth Estate in Virginia Water- It is highly well known for its exclusive property of luxury homes with large grounds and is surrounded by the Wentworth Golf Club. It creates a very upmarket residential area for the elite wealthy.

3. Ascot High Street and Areas Round about it:

A town named Ascot, around especially High Street and close adjoining areas, is sprinkled with lots of prime residential properties imbued with excellent stone throw access to Ascot Racecourse and a villagey feel to it.

4. Sunningdale :

Sunningdale: High exclusive residential areas include streets like Titlarks Hill and Ridgemount Road, with very high undergoing luxurious homes, and golf clubs, next to Windsor Great Park.

5. Maidenhead Riverside:

Maidenhead district along the riverside area to the views of the Thames ensuring prestigious homes and developments give outstanding river views and ease of access to amenities.

6. Cookham Dean:

Cookham Dean is a pretty village of wealthy dwellers ensconced in exquisite scenery. Houses in areas like Bigfrith Lane and Dean Lane are highly prized owing to their being secluded and rustic.

7. Sonning-on-Thames:

Sonning-on-Thames is a smarter riverside village that is located on the outskirts of gas-guzzling Reading. It features distraught houses, celebrity residents, and outstanding views over the River Thames.

8. Pangbourne Riverside:

Pangbourne, on the River Thames, is a quality home site overlooking the river and featuring boating and other leisure activities.

These areas are thus considered to be some of Berkshire's most affluent communities, with highly regarded residential property and scenic surroundings that make it the most desirable to locate within this county.

 

 

Best places to eat out in Berkshire

 

Not a part of London and yet, Berkshires has its share of wonderful eating-out options, ranging from snug cafes to fine dining restaurants. Here are some of the top places to eat in Berkshire.

1. The Fat Duck:

This experimental three-star Michelin restaurant is operated by Heston Blumenthal and based in the village of Bray.

Cuisine: Modern British, Experimental

Description: The Fat Duck is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Bray, famous for creativity and experimentalism in all that is British cuisine. Chef Heston Blumenthal's brainchildren are a culinary odyssey—a one-of-a-kind production of dishes along with a memorable dining experience.

2. L'Ortolan, Shinfield:

Cuisine: French, European

Type: L'Ortolan is a Michelin-starred restaurant in a magnificent Georgian mansion setting. Fine dining with French-inspired sophistication using locally sourced ingredients to construct in a sumptuous setting, elegant dishes.

3. The Waterside Inn, Bray:

Cuisine: French

Description: A restaurant placed second in the top list of eateries near this venue is the Waterside Inn, located in Bray; it is an extremely famous restaurant with a starred Michelin rating and owned by Chef Alain Roux. The restaurant specializes in classic food with a modern twist of France in a stylish riverside setting while overlooking the Thames.

4. Bel & The Dragon, Cookham:

Cuisine: Modern British, Gastropub

Description: Bel & The Dragon in Cookham is smartly designed in its historic building, offering seasonal British dishes with robust mains and classic pub favorites complemented with fine wines and craft beers.

5. Caldesi in Campagna, Bray:

Cuisine: Italian

Description: Caldesi in Campagna is a multi-awarded Italian restaurant located in Bray. It has authentic Italian cuisine wherein its regional specialties focus more on Tuscany as well as on Northern Italy. Its food is served in a naturally warm and inviting atmosphere.

6. The Hind's Head, Bray:

Cuisine: British, Gastropub

The Hind's Head — Bray is a gastropub with historic roots but owned by Heston Blumenthal's group. Classic British dishes are rebooted to suit modern tastes with seasonal ingredients running riot and some culinary inventions.

7. The Woodpecker, Newbury

Cuisine: Modern European

Description: Situated in Newbury, holding a Michelin star, The Woodpecker offers relaxed dining in a friendly atmosphere. The concentration is on modern European cuisine where dishes include locally sourced ingredients.

8. Orwells, Shiplake

Food type: Modern British

Description: With its rustic beamed setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant is located in Shiplake, near Henley on Thames, and produces modern British cuisine focusing on seasonal produce and sustainable ingredients.

9. The Miller of Mansfield, Goring on the Thames

 Food type: Modern British, Gastropub

Description: The Miller of Mansfield—Gastropub in Goring-on-Thames. This has forged a menu of new British dishes using locally sourced ingredients, as well as making the most of the fine seasonal produce available within a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

10. The Woodsman, Stratfield Turgis

British, Modern European

Description: The Woodsman sits in Stratfield Turgis and is a rustic, cosying restaurant with a focus on wood-fired cooking to bring out hearty British dishes reminiscent of classic techniques and seasonal ingredients from the country.

These restaurants around Berkshire—from Michelin-starred fine dining to the coziest of gastropubs— are evidence the diversity and quality across the culinary offer provided by the county.

What our CEO, Mary Anne Bowring, likes about Berkshire

West Berkshire is a great place to live from both families and professionals alike. Families would benefit from the beautiful, quiet, rural setting and professionals would appreciate the excellent transport links to London. For instance, the area has easy access to road links such as the A34 and M4, and the Newbury Railway station can take you to London Paddington in under an hour.

Things to do in West Berkshire

 

Berkshire is not London; Berk Shire is the county next to London to the west. That said, Berkshire has much to offer and much to do for a visitor. The following are some things to do in Berkshire:

1.  Windsor Castle is among the largest and most beautiful castles in England. It's located in Berkshire.

Windsor Castle represents the official residence of the British monarchy and depicts the largest inhabited castle in the world. This shall also provide entry to the State Apartments, St George Chapel, and also to the Queen Mary Dolls' House.

2. Read Abbey Ruins Lesson:

Read Abbey, begun by King Henry I in the 12th century, was one of Britain's richest abbeys. Today, it provides an area of ruin that one can walk through and view, plus this story, at the Abbey Quarter Visitor Centres.

3. Take a stroll along the Thames Path:

The Thames Path The Thames Path is a walking route alongside the River Thames of Berkshire. One can take out time from hectic schedules for casual scenic walks through walking and cycling routes. They boast of many engagements, including riverside villages, historic bridges, and wildlife habitats among many others.

4. Basildon Park:

This is a fine Georgian mansion set in magic parkland where square rooms, great windows, fine fireplaces, and beautiful objects all combine to constitute the rooms of the mansion. This makes accessing such rooms and the possibility to go for a stroll through the gardens available.

5. Highclere Castle:

Near Newbury lies Highclere Castle, more popularly known for being the location where the mythology "Downton Abbey" was shot. Richly appointed rooms, the Egyptian Exhibition, and an exploration of the gardens and grounds make up what visitors are allowed to see.

6. The Living Rain Forest:

The Living Rainforest. Based at Hampstead Norreys, it is a tropical greenhouse to preserves thousands of plants and animals and saves birds from different rainforests. The Living Rainforest amenities are available in the form of educational talks, guided tours, trails, and handling sessions for any visitor to take.

7. Ascot Racecourse:

Mascot Racecourse: Known for its horse racing, the Royal Ascot meeting during June will have to be conducted. From making reviews of its races at the grandstand to fine dining and hospitality, this one is going to be a day of excitement and thrill by the races.

8. Walking or Cycling on the Berkshire Downs:

Go for a nice scenic walk or bike ride across the Berkshire Downs, which is both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the North Wessex Downs. This gently rolling country comprises ancient landscapes and pretty villages like Lambourn and Wantage.

9. This is a visit to Beale Park:

Peasmarsh-a Wildlife park and gardens in 350 acres of parkland with over 1,000 animals including Meerkats, Lemurs, and birds of prey. It also contains gardens, playgrounds, and a narrow-gauge railway.

10. Henley-on-Thames

A market town of great charm, Henley on Thames is known far and wide for its annual Royal Regatta rowing event. It has a riverside, independent shops and boutiques, a River and Rowing Museum, and riverside dining.

These are just a few out of so many more attractions and activities one can do within this particular shire. History, nature, and culture—if not the very brio of the outdoors—are what will find interest in the dozens of different pastimes enjoyed in Berkshire.

West Berkshire Cultural Scene

 

Berkshire, though not a part of London but a county west of London, presents a rich cultural scene that speaks of its historical importance, the beauty of nature, and vibrant communities. Here are some aspects of the cultural scene in Berkshire:

1. Historic Sites

Windsor Castle: This is one of the British monarchy's official residences, and its state apartments, St. George's Chapel, and Queen Mary's Dolls' House all contribute to giving visitors a taste of royal history.

Reading Abbey Ruins: The ruins of Reading Abbey are indeed one of the important historical places of Reading. Founded by King Henry I in the 12th century, it helps in getting a peek at medieval monastic life and architecture.

Museum of English Rural Life: Located in Reading, this museum portrays the history of rural life within present-day England through its collection of farm opens, objects, and displays.

2. Arts and Cultural Venues:

The Hexagon, Reading: Multifunctional arts venue with a range of productions from theatres to music concerts, comedy to dance performances.

South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell: Art center with theatres galleries, and studios; most of the events coming off here are drama productions and art exhibitions with workshops.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: A performing cultural center: theatre, music, comedy, and film, including visual arts and workshops.

3. Literary Links:

Berkshire has claimed solid historical links to several famous authors and other literary figures. Such are Jane Austen, who went to school in Reading, Oscar Wilde, who wrote "The Importance of Being Earnest" while staying in Reading, and Kenneth Grahame, the author of "The Wind in the Willows", who lived in Cookham.

 

4. Annual Events and Festivals:

Royal Ascot: One of the most famous horse racing meets in the world held at Ascot racecourse, this is the week-long event that combines racing action with style and sociability. Attended by people in expensive and elaborate attire, especially on their hats, it is certainly one of the most socially gratifying events.

Reading Festival: A rock music annual festival located in Reading, which is liked by millions of music fans in the UK and beyond for hosting some of the biggest rock, indie, and alternative bands.

This EXPIRY Berkshire countryside and natural landscapes—including the Thames Valley—affords walking, cycling, boat trips, and wildlife spotting in some cases. Those that afford elevated views and leisure spaces include Berkshire Downs and Windsor Great Park.

5. Local Communities and Events:

Share Berkshire towns and villages host local events and activities that take place across the year; fairs, markets, marches, and cultural celebrations associated with the traditions and heritage of the locality.

Further adding to the cultural diversity of Berkshire is a blend of historical landmarks, art spaces, literary links, outdoor pursuits, or community-driven events, catering to both local and visitor tastes alike.