TWO of Basingstoke’s leading commercial chartered surveyors have merged.

Starting on Tuesday this week, Baker Davidson Thomas and Woodford & Company are now trading under the name BDT incorporating Woodford & Co.

The merger creates a new company with extensive expertise and experience in the commercial property market in Basingstoke and the M3 corridor.

Neil Davidson, Richard Thomas, Howard Elliott and Brian Pickett become directors of the merged practice, while Peter Woodford assumes a consultancy role.

Richard Thomas and Brian Pickett will head up the agency department, dealing with the disposal and acquisition of all types of commercial property.

Howard Elliott will continue to run the rating department, specialising in minimising the rating liabilities of landlord owners and occupiers, with a particular specialism in mitigating rating liabilities on empty properties. Neil Davidson will continue to offer services in the field of landlord and tenant matters, dealing with rent reviews, lease renewals, lease re-gearing exercises and valuations.

Mr Davidson said: “There is a very natural fit between the two companies, with the strength of Woodford & Company, particularly in the warehouse and industrial markets, complementing the vast experience of Baker Davidson Thomas, primarily in the office sector, combined with other specialist landlord and tenant and rating services.

“We believe that the combined talents of the two practices will offer an unrivalled service, under one roof, to our new and established clients alike.”

Mr Pickett added: “Having worked together on many joint agency instructions over the years there is indeed great synergy between our respective agency instruction bases. The merger will bring new opportunities and enable us to bring a new level of service to our clients while also maintaining continuity.”

Baker Davidson Thomas was established in Basingstoke in 1992, just a year before Woodford & Company was formed.

The newly merged business is based at the existing BDT offices at Faraday Office Park in Faraday Road, Basingstoke.