Stärka was launched in late 2021 by David Bell and Sammy Jones. Together, they bring over 40 years of experience in the property industry. The company was founded to provide a different approach to commercial real estate.
We specialise in leisure, lifestyle, fitness, and food and beverage markets, both in the UK and internationally. Stärka have grown steadily and now boast an impressive client list.
David was previously Head of Global Leisure at Savills, where he specialised in leasing, development consultancy and asset management for major UK and Global Landlords, as well as global expansion remits for retained tenant rep clients. David has advised on 7 of the top 10 UK Leisure schemes, and over the last 20 years has advised various major Leisure Landlords, including, Legal & General, Land Sec, Grosvenor and British Land. He has also been involved in over £1 billion of leisure investment transactions including Printworks Manchester, The Gate Newcastle and The Light Leeds.
David is one of the few global market leading advisors, and his extensive knowledge spans from comprehensive regeneration schemes to new, prime leisure developments both in the UK and Worldwide.
David also has significant experience in occupier mandates, having previously advised The Restaurant Group, F45 and Curzon Cinema.
Having spent 3 years at Officer Training Corps whilst at University I was very close to considering a life in the Army. But playing ‘toy’ soldiers was one thing, being at war was something very different, so I saw the light and embarked on the road to becoming a Chartered Surveyor.
Bilbo Baggins – he would have some great stories, and also it would mean I am not the smallest at the table. Also, Jonah Lomu and Lindsey Vonn.
Bean coffee of course. L’Enclume (best restaurant in the world) Rooftop at Aqua (drinking all the rosé).
In Spain eating the best Paella with a cold Estrella.
My passions are skiing, love being in the mountains. Rugby, watching and coaching rather than playing! finally and most importantly spending time with TB (Tory Bell) Josh, Elliot, Felix and Suki our amazing German Short Haired Pointer.
Sammy has over 20 years’ industry experience and extensive UK & regional knowledge, specialising in the Leisure, Food & Beverage and Cinema sectors. Sammy has worked both in-house for operators, such as Cote and The Restaurant Group, and across several agency roles, including JLL and Cushman & Wakefield. Prior to co-founding Stärka, Sammy ran her own consultancy business for 4 years, which offered specialist property advice for operators acting as an ‘in-house’ client and acquisition specialist and creating bespoke growth strategies for operators.
Sammy’s skills include providing specialist leisure leasing advice, asset and development consultancy for new developments, shopping centres and leisure schemes.
Sammy manages the full leasing process from start to finish, working closely with project managers and legal and licensing teams to add value for our clients in the detailed negotiation process.
I wanted to be an RAF pilot or a chef originally but fell into surveying after securing an office junior/PA role when I left school, at Cheetham & Mortimer and JLL Manchester. I attended University whilst working full time and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor whilst working at Cushman & Wakefield. My APC quickly followed, and I’ve been in property ever since (now over 26 years)!
Cleopatra, Roy Keane, Phil Knight.
Bean Coffee (who we also act for!), Restaurant wise I love Erst, Climat, Blacklock and then Schofields bar for cocktails.
Steak (pink) and Fries with an amazing bernaise or peppercorn sauce!
Spending time with my family, wakeboarding, open water swimming, in the gym and eating out at various restaurants. And if you know me really well you will know I consider myself a rapper on the karaoke!!
Tess is the newest member of the Stärka team, joining in January 2024. She graduated from the University of Salford in July 2024 with a first-class degree in BSc (Hons) Real Estate Development and Management.
Tess plays a key role in supporting the Directors on the day to day running of the business, helping with specific instructions such as Blacklock and Bean Coffee.
Tess also helps with various client disposals and the leasing of Marine Point and other landlord instructions.
No , I didn’t aspire to be a surveyor! I originally went to the University of Nottingham to do Film and TV, as it was my dream to be on the telly! I quickly decided this wasn’t for me and dropped out of university. One day I was going through the courses at Salford University and thought Real Estate Development and Management sounded interesting. Four years later I graduated with a first-class honours and I have been at Starka since January 2024.
If I was to host a dinner party, I would invite Eric Cantona, Princess Diana and Matthew McConaughey.
Coffee brand I would choose Gail’s or Bean.. Restaurants I would choose Onda Pasta Bar, Blacklock and Anello Pizzeria! My favourite bar is Mulligans Irish Bar (best Guinness in Manchester) and always the best atmosphere.
My final meal would definitely be a bacon cheeseburger with fries and onion rings!
In my free time I love going out for drinks with my friends and trying different restaurants. I have played netball since I was 6 years old and still love playing every week. I also love spending time with my niece and being the fun Auntie !
Even though it doesn’t bring me joy every week, I do love watching my team Manchester United.
Let’s Shape the Future Together
Have a project in mind or need expert property advice?
Get in touch with our team today.
