Helical plc

5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England

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About Helical plc

Summary

Helical plc, formerly known as Helical Bar plc, is a London-based real estate company specialising in development. Founded in 1919 as Helical Bar and Engineering Company Limited, it initially focused on manufacturing reinforcing steel for the construction industry. In 1986, the company sold its steel reinforcement business to shift its focus to property development and investment.

Helical plc operates primarily in Central London, managing a portfolio valued at £540.4 million as of 31 March 2025. The company is well-regarded for its design-led, sustainable developments and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The business has a strong track record in joint venture structuring and has built a reputation for innovative thinking and market expertise.

The leadership of Helical has evolved over time. Michael Slade, appointed to the board in 1984, guided the company through its transition into property development. He served as CEO until 2016, after which he became Chairman. In 2024, Matthew Bonning-Snook was appointed Chief Executive, and in 2025, James Moss became the Chief Financial Officer.

Helical values integrity, excellence, collaboration, creativity, and sustainability. These principles guide the company in creating innovative spaces that enhance value for stakeholders, local communities, and the environment. Notable projects include The JJ Mack Building, Barts Square, and The Loom, with several of their developments recognised with prestigious awards for innovation, sustainability, and design.

History

Helical plc, originally known as Helical Bar and Engineering Company Limited, was incorporated on 3 July 1919. The company initially focused on manufacturing and selling reinforcing steel for the construction industry. Over the years, Helical expanded its operations and became a prominent player in the steel reinforcement sector.

In 1984, after more than 65 years in the steel business, the company faced financial challenges and sought new directions. On 21 August 1984, Michael Slade was appointed to the board, bringing over 15 years of experience in the commercial property industry. This marked the beginning of the company’s shift towards property development.

By 1986, Helical had sold its steel reinforcement business, fully transitioning into a property development and investment company. Michael Slade became the Chief Executive, with Nigel McNair Scott serving as the Finance Director. This change in focus allowed the company to enter the real estate market, where it would eventually become a leading development business in London.

In 1994, Gerald Kaye joined the board, followed by Matthew Bonning-Snook, who was appointed as Director in 2007. Tim Murphy became Finance Director in 2012, further strengthening the leadership team.

In 2016, Michael Slade stepped down as CEO and was appointed Chairman, while Gerald Kaye became the new Chief Executive. After 35 years on the board, Slade retired in 2019, and Richard Grant succeeded him as Chairman. In 2022, Richard Grant stood down, and Richard Cotton took over as Chairman.

The company continued to evolve, and in 2024, Matthew Bonning-Snook was appointed Chief Executive. In 2025, James Moss was appointed Chief Financial Officer, reflecting Helical’s ongoing commitment to leadership and growth in the real estate sector.

Portfolio

Helical plc’s property portfolio, valued at £540.4 million as of 31 March 2025, includes both investment properties and development projects. This represents a decrease from £662.3 million the previous year, mainly due to asset disposals. The company’s investment properties, including those held through joint ventures, were valued at £535.4 million. Key assets include several prominent developments located in Central London.

One of the key properties in the portfolio is 100 New Bridge Street, EC4, a mixed-use development offering around 195,000 sq ft of office space. Scheduled for completion in Q1 2026, the development aims for high sustainability standards, including a BREEAM Outstanding rating and a 5-star NABERS Design for Performance target. Another significant asset is The Bower, a 333,632 sq ft office complex located in Old Street, London. This property is well-regarded for its design and sustainability, contributing to its value.

Helical plc’s Paddington Over Station Development is another important asset. The development will comprise a 19-storey office building with 235,000 sq ft of space, situated above Paddington Station. This project aims for high sustainability and technological standards, positioning it as a key asset in the company’s portfolio. The Loom, a 108,540 sq ft office space in Whitechapel, London, is housed in a refurbished Victorian wool warehouse. The building has been repurposed to accommodate creative and entrepreneurial tenants, contributing to its long-term value.

Additionally, Southwark is a student accommodation project comprising 429 studio units, with 44 designated as affordable housing. Construction for this project is set to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028. Helical’s development activities continue to focus on creating design-led, sustainable spaces, primarily in Central London. The company’s portfolio also includes several joint ventures, strengthening its reputation for innovative thinking and market expertise.

Despite a decrease in overall portfolio value, Helical reported a 5.8% increase in its portfolio’s value, driven by a 29.1% rise in the development portfolio’s value. The company has secured significant lettings, including 12 new leases with a combined contracted rent of £5.8 million, indicating a positive outlook for its properties.

Leadership Team

Richard Cotton | Chairman of the Board
Matthew Bonning-Snook | Chief Executive Officer
James Moss | Chief Financial Officer
Sue Farr | Designated Non-Executive Director for ESG and Sustainability
Eleanor Gavin | Group Company Secretary
Rob Sims | Chief Investment Officer
Laura Beaumont | Head of Sustainability
Martin Bramhill | Head of Tax
Nikki Dibley | Senior Development Executive
Rose Doda | Front of House and Team Assistant
Lesley Dodd | Group Financial Controller
Andrew Dunford | Group Accountant
John Inwood | Head of Asset Management
Iveta Kosorinova | Accounts Administrator
Ann Matthews | Purchase Ledger
Lucy Miller | Property and Finance Executive

References

Helical – a central London real estate development business | Helical plc
Helical plc | Wikipedia
Helical Bar plc | Annual Reports
Helical plc (HLCL.L) Stock Price, News, Quote & History | Yahoo Finance
Helical PLC, HLCL:LSE summary | Financial Times
Helical plc Share Price (HLCL) Ordinary 1p | Hargreaves Lansdown
Helical PLC – Shares | IG
HLICF: Helical PLC – Stock Price, Quote and News | CNBC
Helical plc Share Price (HLCL) – Stock London S.E. | MarketScreener India
HLCL: Helical PLC Stock Price Quote – London | Bloomberg
HLCL Stock Price Helical PLC | Morning Star
Helical plc Information | RocketReach
Helical (Real Estate Services) 2025 Company Profile | PitchBook

5 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HQ, England

Website https://www.helical.co.uk/

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