United Property Services (UPS), an Australian leader in design-led retail property solutions, today announced the expansion of its offering to include asset management services. The move allows UPS to provide a holistic client-centric service offering to retail owners and developers seeking to reimagine Australian retail.
Established in 2018, UPS’ comprehensive offerings now cover Retail Leasing, Advisory, Design Management, Place Strategy and Asset Management. The expansion into asset management follows surging industry demand for experienced strategic retail advice and creative solutions as retail owners and developers scramble to ensure their proposition aligns with the evolving industry.
UPS Founder and Director, Patrick Sergi, said, “Retail has always evolved, it is just evolving faster than ever before, meaning the old retail property rulebook is out. Our focus at UPS is on working with retail owners and developers to create destinations where customers feel connected and stay longer. We believe over the next decade you’ll see the design of some of the world’s best retail experiences here in Australia – as innovative landlords, developers and heritage assets adapt to this new retail landscape.”
UPS Founder and Director, Patrick Sergi
UPS has already secured key clients for the new property management arm including retail podiums at Novotel Canberra and Novotel Sydney Olympic Park. Their owner-operating model, with their holistic high-touch service proposition, fills a much-needed gap in the Australian retail property market.
Patrick Sergi and his team have led the retail design and leasing process for leading Australian destinations and developers, including The Rocks precinct near Sydney’s CBD and Brookfield Place, in Wynyard. The firm anticipates continued strong demand for its holistic, client-centric service offering.
Despite heavy disruption during the last two years, UPS continues to see the value that Australian retail assets bring to consumers, by creating engaging spaces with the potential to rival global destination counterparts.
Brookfield Place, Wynyard
“It is exciting to be a part of this journey to connect people and places. At UPS we provide a personal, high-experience approach to repositioning, repurposing and reimagining retail assets. Developers and landlords know they need to creatively adapt or their assets will become less relevant,” said Sergi.
Sergi said the talent drain for experienced professionals in the retail property sector remains a big factor holding back the industry at this time.
“Our employees, and their deep experience and passion for what they do, are the reason we’ve enjoyed success with our clients over the years, despite the challenges posed by the recent business climate. While the industry faces many challenges, as a firm we’re excited and see this period as an opportunity for owners to excel and adapt their retail assets, setting a new standard for Australian retail precincts,” he said.
Lisa Wood brings two decades of specialist experience in asset management services
Leading UPS’ new property management offering, Lisa Wood has joined the firm as Asset Management Director. Based in Sydney, she brings more than two decades of specialist experience in asset management services.
Wood was previously at AXA Investment Managers as Senior Asset Manager, Real Assets, where she spent the last seven years honing her extensive experience in asset management and the diverse and varied requirements of local and international owners.
Building on her leasing, marketing and management of super regional, regional and sub-regional shopping centres, Wood also previously held senior positions at Stockland, Capital and Westfield.
“I am excited to join UPS at such an important time for the Australian retail industry. As we emerge from a pandemic era we have the opportunity to shape a new landscape. I have always admired Patrick and his team’s innovative, design-led approach to retail environments. I look forward to putting my experience and skills to work for UPS’ clients to deliver tangible, sustainable outcomes,” Wood said.
Commenting on Wood’s appointment, Sergi said, “We are pleased to welcome Lisa to the team to lead UPS’ new Asset Management division. Lisa’s appointment adds additional strength to our already outstanding property team. The expansion into asset management is a key piece in our comprehensive client-centric offering for our clients and Lisa’s wealth of experience will offer our clients some of the best thinking from around the globe.”
