Leisure property agent Trevor Shelley has died.

The 53-year old, who co-founded London-based leasing firm Shelley Sandzer, passed away yesterday morning.

He was regarded as one of London’s top leisure agents, rising to prominence on the back of a string of successful leisure group sales.

His career spanned more than 25 years. He spent 11 years at Reiff Diner & Co, where he rose through the ranks from an office junior to an equity partner.

He was joined by Philip Sandzer for four years before the pair left to set up Shelley Sandzer in 1983, where they created a business that offered property advice on a markets including restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas.

The company said in a statement today: ‘It is with deep regret that Shelley Sandzer announces the untimely death of Trevor Shelley, the founding partner of Shelley Sandzer. Trevor Shelley was not only well known in the market but incredibly well liked and respected by all who met him. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him with people referring to him as both friend and advisor.’

‘His hard work and dedication to the industry will continue in the hands of his partners Duncan Lillie, Ted Schama and Nick Weir and the rest of the team.’

Shelley is survived by wife Janine and children, Jordan, Luke, Sam and Grace.