A niche surveying practice, we specialise in development, disposals and acquisitions, investment and management.
We support investor, retail, commercial, residential and private clients in meeting their property requirements.
Our services include investment, retail agency, development consultancy, asset management, residential and retirement living, site disposal and purchase and commercial property advice.
We work in close partnership with our clients and our attention to detail and friendly approach means we form long-lasting relationships. Our skills and experience complement an outstanding level of service, tailored to your needs.
The name Liell is of Norman origin and was first recorded in 1086. A Coat of Arms was granted to the Liell family; the original design a gold shield on a red chevron, between three demi-lions, holding three silver trefoils. We’ve recreated a more contemporary version, to communicate both this motif and the family motto ‘Sedulo et Honeste’ - ‘Diligently and Honestly’.
Founded in 1865 by Mark Liell, the business began based on the ethos of ‘diligence and honesty’. The focus during the early years was on the re-gentrification of East London, which provided new housing and employment premises to meet the demands of business and everyday living in the late 19th Century.
By the 1960s and 1970s the business had evolved into a successful chain of estate agents in North East London, and an active, City-based national commercial and investment agency.
The business has since decentralised to its current single office location in Saffron Walden, with easy access to the capital and the rest of the country.
Today the business has transformed to service investors, landowners and developers in the commercial investment, retail, employment and housing sectors. We meet their trading or occupational objectives and maximise their investments. Our founding principles, however, remain the same.
David joined Mark Liell & Son in 1990, following experience in the commercial surveying sector at Bernard Thorpe & Partners, Nelson Bakewell Ltd and J Sainsbury plc during the 1980’s.
He became Senior Partner in 1999, and now has an established track record in the development sector advising a variety of landowners, commercial and residential developers and investors on major development proposals and commercial investment opportunities.
Dave is a larger than life sporting ‘icon’, happy to attend any social gathering with a copious supply of business cards to hand.
Sarah joined Mark Liell & Son in 2003. She previously worked at CB Richard Ellis for 10 years in the Portfolio Investment department where she was responsible for the asset management of a number of pension funds’ property portfolios.
At Mark Liell & Son she heads up the Property Management Department acting on behalf of major retail and property investor clients, and also undertakes lettings and disposals.
Sarah may be spotted on the slopes or in a boat on the North Norfolk Coast, but rarely in the kitchen.
Ian has many years’ experience principally in the development sector at British Rail Property Board, J Sainsbury plc, Arlington Securities plc and The Burwood House Group.
He joined Mark Liell & Son in 1995 and has an established track record in the development sector providing advice on the acquisition and disposal of development land to retailers, commercial and residential developers and sheltered housing operators.
Ian is a previous Wimbledon contender and long-suffering Canaries supporter, with multi-lingual ambitions.
Wendy first joined Mark Liell in 1993 having previously worked for County Natwest in Unit Trust Financial Accounting, she had a brief interval where she worked at Unit Trust Accounting at ING Baring but simply had to return to Mark Liell in 2003 where she remains today.
Wendy’s vital role at Mark Liell is being responsible for all of the Accounts Financial Administration for both Mark Liell Company Accounts and also the Client Property Management Accounting. She is very gifted with numbers and we are very fortunate to have her attributes in our team.
Outside of the office, Wendy is a keen gardener, enjoys reading, but most importantly, adores spending time with her beautiful dog Bilko, who is the 7th Bulldog she’s owned in 30 years!
Michelle joined Mark Liell & Son in 1999 as a Secretary before becoming a PA, having previously trained and worked as a Legal Secretary at Solicitors in Cambridge and Bishop’s Stortford.
In 2021 she became Property Manager assisting Sarah with the day-to-day Commercial Property Management. Michelle is organised and incredibly efficient which is vital in her role. Her professionalism means that challenging scenarios are efficiently addressed to all parties’ satisfaction.
When Michelle is not chasing compliance, she enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants, glamping, spending time with her husband and beloved cat and visiting family who live on the Kent Coast.
Sophie joined Mark Liell in 2021. She previously worked for Cheffins, for over 10 years, a market leading firm of property advisors, estate agents and auctioneers who operate across the Mid-Anglia region.
Sophie’s main role at Mark Liell is in assisting Sarah on the property management of the Firm’s expanding UK clients’ institutional portfolios, as well as marketing properties (to lease) and overseeing the promotional and online marketing activities of Mark Liell.
At home, she enjoys cooking, running around after her young son, long country walks and trips to the seaside with her family and her dog, Darcie! Her bubbly personality means the office is never quiet!
Caroline joined Mark Liell & Son in 2021. She previously worked at Strutt & Parker in Cambridge for nearly 17 years in the Land Management Department assisting the team in Estate Management & Consultancy advice.
Caroline undertakes the office administration and is Personal Assistant to the Surveyor team at Mark Liell & Son, bringing her excellent organisational and proactive skills to the fore to keep the office shipshape.
In her spare time, she likes watching Manchester United, reading, gardening and looking after her two grandsons, who certainly keep her on her toes!
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