Harris Associates UK Avis 5

Harris Associates are acting as the Surveyor and Consultant on a large project in North West London. Our experience to date has been disappointing. In our view, the services provided have been costly while not meeting the standard we reasonably expected for a development of this scale and complexity.

Communication has, in our experience, been inadequate throughout. Emails from shareholders were not responded to, requests for on-site meetings were declined, and attempts to seek clarification or constructive engagement did not result in meaningful progress.

As concerns escalated, we felt it necessary to issue a Stop Work Order to prevent further issues. This instruction was not followed, which further reduced confidence in the management of the project.

Of particular concern is the quality of workmanship. In our opinion, the standard of finish and execution raises serious concerns regarding planning, oversight, and responsibility.

Update: Despite repeated attempts to contact the team, we have yet to receive any response or acknowledgment. This includes emailing the team as requested in their reply. The ongoing works continue despite shareholder requests to halt them, showing a disregard for our concerns.

Further Update: Despite multiple additional attempts to make contact since the previous update, we have still received no response or acknowledgment from Harris Associates. We have reached out to several members of the company, including senior management, but none of these communications have been replied to. Once again, this reinforces the concerns already raised regarding responsiveness, engagement, and accountability on a project of this scale.

Update: Mr Harris's reply
“Dear Shareholder Group,
I am writing to you on behalf of Harris Associates. The delay in responding to your previous communication is in part due to uncertainty pertaining to the validity of the group (plus I have no sense of who or how many are in said group) and whether there was an agreed formality between the shareholder group and the board of directors who of course represent the leaseholder community and have been voted by the leaseholders to deal with matters such as the internal works contract. I understand that from a contractual and legal entity perspective you have no obligations or liabilities either in respect of the contract works or the management of the buildings more generally.
That being said, we do of course recognise that works to internal common parts of mansion blocks can be disruptive, albeit necessary to achieve positive end goals. This is exactly the case with Wendover and Moreland. The list of concerns that you set out in your email to me dated 26 February are a real mix in the sense that they relate to some matters that are outside of our control and influence. There are some matters that you will need to take up with the property management team(s).
It can be helpful to us when items of concern are flagged up by residents, and there are certainly items that you raise that are more overtly connected to the internal works contract, none of which I have to say are ringing alarm bells. In respect of contract management and health and safety protocols I can assure you that these are all being dealt with effectively and all relevant standards are being met.
I would be happy to arrange a short Teams meeting if you think that might be helpful. If you could also let me know the members of the shareholder group I would be grateful. I await to hear from you.
Yours sincerely
Shaun Harris”

Following this response, it is clear that the key concerns raised over several weeks — including trip hazards, exposed cabling, property damage, asbestos queries, and issues from the 31st January stop work order — have not been directly addressed.

Photographic evidence was provided, and over £100,000 in consultancy fees has reportedly been paid, yet no contract or formal documentation has been shared.

We are still seeking clarification on Mr Harris’s role, the services being provided, acknowledgment and management of hazards, and confirmation that all work meets required standards. A clear, structured reply is needed to provide transparency and reassurance to all stakeholders.

I recently purchased an apartment and faced challenges with a very difficult managing agent. Fortunately, the survey was carried out by Matt Beckett, who turned a stressful situation into a smooth and manageable experience. His professionalism and calm approach made all the difference. I highly recommend Matt and will not hesitate to use his services again.

Superb company for EWS1 and FRAEW. Great pricing, great service, very quick turnaround. Will use again for other blocks.

Harris Associates have a really clear understanding of the work we require and have an excellent team to deliver. Very happy to be working with them.

Great business to work with, knowledgable and responsive - highly recommend.