A Caribbean-themed party marked the official opening of Fenn Wright’s new offices in Chelmsford and the firm’s 21 years in the town.
Trinidad & Tobago Steel Band ‘Caribbean All Stars’ entertained partners, guests and staff – some of whom were brave enough to try limbo dancing – at a buffet and barbecue in a marquee and the garden of the new premises at Grove House, 114 New London Road.

Fenn Wright first arrived in a second floor office in Tindal Street, Chelmsford in 1988, with three members of staff: two commercial property negotiators, Hayman Wheaton and Ben Hooker, and a secretary.  Hayman Wheaton, now a partner, works for Fenn Wright at their headquarters in Stanway and was present at the celebration.

Since 1988, the firm has moved twice more and latterly operated from the Grade II Listed building Imperial House, on Victoria Road, until June this year.  Transferring to New London Road is a move to a more central and prestigious part of Chelmsford. Zoe Napier’s Country and Equestrian division, previously based in Witham, has joined the commercial department and the relatively new Character and Village brand, under Karl Manning, now operates out of Chelmsford and Witham.

Senior partner Roger Hayward, who welcomed guests, said the aim of the move was to maintain and improve the firm’s established reputation for high-quality professional advice and service for both commercial and residential clients.

 “The decision to relocate our Country and Equestrian division, under the direction of Zoe Napier, flows from the team’s ability to attract a significantly higher quality of residential and equestrian instructions, and the need to promote the Country and Equestrian brand over a wider geographical area.”
Zoe added: “We are extremely pleased, both with our smart new office and the marked upturn in business instructions we have seen since moving here. 

 “We have been fortunate in that the equestrian market, being a specialist area, has not suffered the same doldrums as other areas of residential property sales and our clients have been prepared to be realistic in their expectations. I would say that the last few months, almost coinciding with our move here, have seen steadying and even improving market conditions, which is extremely encouraging.”