In September 2024, Simon met with Samantha McClary, Editor of Estates Gazette to discuss his first five years at the helm, why Strettons' success is rooted in our strong DNA and his future ambitions for the company. The interview was published in the lead 'The EG Interview' section at the start of the 19 October edition.

 

Simon Tilsiter may be the first non-family managing director of Strettons, but as he shares, the DNA of this 93-year-old East End advisory runs deep in him. For Tilsiter, continuing the firm's legacy means being part of the community's fabric and helping transform places while preserving their history.

 

A Legacy of Regeneration

Tilsiter took over the role of managing director in May 2019, following in the footsteps of the Tobin family, who founded Strettons in 1931. Under his leadership, the company's purpose remains true: being at the heart of regeneration and adding value to the communities it serves. "Our purpose is all about taking our knowledge and using it at the right time for the right purpose to add value," Tilsiter says.

 

End-to-End Property Services

"We want to be a joiner of ideas and help deliver new spaces and communities," says Tilsiter. He emphasizes that Strettons is more than just an auctioneer or an East London specialist; it's at the heart of regeneration and repurposing, focusing on creativity, placemaking, and community.

 

Strettons' involvement in new build developments exemplifies its role as a placemaker - contributing to the repurposing and regeneration of East London. These projects highlight Strettons' commitment to transforming old warehouses into thriving, modern spaces while retaining their original spirit.

 

• Shoreditch Exchange - A development featuring over 184 flats, 120,000 sq ft of offices, and 40,000 sq ft of shops and cafés. Strettons worked closely with the owner to transition the site from a former warehouse to a development land opportunity delivering vibrant mixed-use spaces.
• Florentia Village - A creative campus in Harringay's warehouse district developed by General Projects, bringing together makers and creators from various industries.
• Wickside - An upcoming 8.4-acre project in Hackney Wick brought forward by Galliard Homes and the O'Shea Group to deliver 200 homes and 120,000 sq ft of commercial space. Strettons initially sold the land and have been appointed to bring a mix of occupiers into the market-rate commercial space.

 

Strettons has long been known for its expertise in east London and auctions, but it is much more than that. "We are at the heart of regeneration and repurposing," Tilsiter asserts. Strettons is dedicated to transforming and creating new spaces—all while retaining the community's history.

 

The Wickside development, for instance, is a key project that demonstrates Strettons' deep involvement in East London's regeneration. Having originally advised on the sale in 2014, Strettons is now involved in finding tenants for the 100,000 sq ft of new commercial space, further cementing its role in the area's ongoing transformation.

 

 

A New Chapter for Strettons

With Tilsiter's appointment, the company is embracing change while maintaining the core values established by the Tobin family. "I want to make sure that the legacy, the brand that we have, reaches its full potential," Tilsiter states. He envisions Strettons growing sustainably, supported by new non-executive directors and strategic partnerships while remaining true to its purpose of "using the right information, the right knowledge, at the right time to find the right solution."

 

For Tilsiter, being deeply embedded in the areas where Strettons operates is vital—it's not just about providing advice; it's about being an integral part of the community's story. As he says, "We want to be known for creation, repurposing, and placemaking, and that all comes back to the why and our purpose."

 

Estates Gazette Subscribers can read the full interview here.