History

Beckett and Kay was formed in April 2002 by Peter Beckett and Richard Kay, having worked together at Kemp & Hawley, a firm of general practice Chartered Surveyors, in the early 1990s. It was at Kemp & Hawley where they were both involved in the leading case on valuation in dilapidations claims — Peter as the landlord’s valuer and Richard as his trainee — Shortlands v Cargill. 

After starting their partnership, Peter and Richard soon established the firm as industry leaders, appearing in cases such as Simmons v Dresden, Anstruther v Vidas, Bruntwood, Arrowdell, Sportelli and Nailrile. Henrietta joined the firm as a trainee in 2012, qualified in 2015, and became a partner in 2016. 

After a long, varied and interesting career, Peter stepped back from professional work in 2022 and now focuses on his own investments. He is still very much part of the Beckett and Kay family — not only in name, but also as a client. 

Richard and Henrietta have continued to grow the firm and expand its areas of specialism. Both Fellows of the RICS, Henrietta is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). They regularly lecture on their specialisms — including at ALEP and RICS events — and give expert evidence before the Courts and Tribunals. They are supported by a small team of surveyors, property managers and support staff.