Everyone knows that if you want to rent or lease commercial property you're best off going to an agent. But what of those working in the background? Sam Metcalf dons his trenchcoat and steps into the underworld of the secret agent.
We all think we know the world of the property agent - sharp suit, a distressingly expensive haircut, beguiling patter. But in reality there is another side to property management - an almost secret side that offers services like rent reviews, dispute resolution and project monitoring. Or maybe you need help in the areas of development consultancy, compulsory purchase and facilities management?
The Midlands is full of half-hidden characters that can help you get the information you need on the property you've been chasing.
However, not only are these backroom boy - and girls - often hidden, they are also often very scarce.
Major building projects and regeneration schemes in the Midlands are being put on hold due to a serious lack of professional skills among "secret agents', according to a survey of chartered surveyors carried out by industry body RICS.
According to its research, 81 per cent of chartered surveyors in the Midlands believe there is a serious shortage of professional property, building and land management skills, and two thirds believe that the situation is set to worsen in the next five years.
Indeed, two thirds of chartered surveyors believe the position has become so serious that it is now holding up major building projects in the region, including regeneration schemes, infrastructure projects and new housing developments.
Gurdip Chamba, RICS West Midlands regional chair, said: "Much attention has been given to skills shortages affecting trades people such as plumbers, electricians and bricklayers, but less has been said about the shortage of property professionals and the knock-on effect this is having in our region.
"This research confirms that chartered surveyors in the region are feeling over-stretched and are increasingly concerned that a lack of professional skills is holding up important projects, and this is damaging our economy as a result."
Recent reports that Birmingham regeneration schemes with a collective value of more than £33bn are awaiting city council and government approval, will do nothing to reassure regional agents, experts or developers, many of whom believe that the skills gap is in part responsible for the delays.
Chamba adds: "There is a growing sense of urgency among our members about the need to get major projects like the New Street Station redevelopment and other important projects started.
"If we fail to do so soon, we could see inward investors by-passing our region in the future, in favour of more dynamic parts of the UK. There is also real concern that a lack of crucial skills in areas such as project management could be contributing to these delays."
The Midlands is home to nearly all the big agency names. If they are to survive and thrive, then the time may have come, it seems, for some of them to pass on their secrets to a new generation of property professionals keen to offer the specialisms that often go unnoticed.