Unlocking Value & Vision: Guy Cooke & Rob Sykes Discuss WATG Advisory’s Bespoke Approach

In the world of real estate and hospitality, every project is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a chance to transform dreams into tangible assets that enrich communities, create legacies, and yield sustainable financial returns. At WATG Advisory, our mission is to align our clients’ aspirations with market realities, creating tailored, high-value solutions that speak to today’s dynamic environment. In a recent conversation between WATG’s own Rob Sykes and Guy Cooke, the team delved into the nuances of this transformative process.

WATG Advisory is often present at the earliest stages of a client’s vision. Whether they come with a preliminary idea or an ambitious goal for a beautiful site, our advisory team ensures that vision meets market demands and future trends. By providing insights that bridge client aspirations with practical realities, WATG helps craft development strategies that are as viable as they are inspiring.

WATG’s approach revolves around optimizing development opportunities financially. Every recommendation is informed by deep market research and tailored to local economic conditions. “The ultimate success is commercial success for our clients,” says Rob, a reminder that our advisory work is about more than just creating visually impressive projects—it’s about delivering a resilient impact.

Whether it’s setting room rates, maximizing residential values, or increasing retail occupancies, WATG ensures that each project’s gross development value (GDV) reaches its highest potential.

No two clients are alike, and neither are their projects. At WATG Advisory, every project is a partnership built on listening, understanding, and shaping solutions around unique needs. From clients aiming to renovate an existing asset to those developing  legacies projects, we adapt our approach for the most tailored outcome possible. As Guy explains, “We take a bespoke approach every time, striving not only to meet needs but to exceed expectations.”

We work across diverse markets, but hospitality is at the heart of all WATG’s work. This core focus lends a unique perspective to mixed-use developments, where branded residential spaces, retail, and other land uses interact seamlessly with hospitality components. Guy points to a rising trend: hospitality as an integral part of urban and resort settings alike, elevating both lifestyle offerings and asset value. By ensuring that each land use contributes positively to the overall economic narrative, WATG creates cohesive, multifaceted projects that resonate with guests and investors alike.

The team doesn’t shy away from today’s financial challenges. With construction costs on the rise and staffing shortages pressing the hospitality sector, WATG Advisory focuses on maximizing revenue per square meter while keeping projects financially feasible. This delicate balancing act—between an aspirational product and economic viability—is what defines our commitment to delivering robust, real-world solutions.

The reward? Watching meticulously crafted strategies come to life and seeing our recommendations go from spreadsheets to master plans, and eventually to breathtaking developments.

At WATG Advisory, we’re proud to be the bridge between vision and viability, working hand-in-hand with our clients to create developments that stand the test of time and thrive in today’s competitive market. Whether it’s a luxury resort, a high-voltage gaming project, an urban mixed-use complex, or a senior living community, we are here to bring unique, data-driven insights to every stage of the journey, ensuring that each development reaches its full potential.