The property developer and placemaker’s founder and CFO on the firm’s successful first year, the need for planning reform and why he does his best work early in the morning
Why did you choose construction as a career?
I am a chartered accountant by training and while clearly always being a “numbers guy”, I wanted to be involved in a business that delivered a tangible product of which I could be proud. High-end residential certainly ticks that box.
Before working in the industry, I was working for a corporate finance advisory boutique, and we were mandated to raise further capital for a commercial property and strategic land developer. As is typical during such engagement, I spent a significant amount of time with the management of the company getting to know the business intimately. Having got to know the CEO very well, when he latterly asked if I could come in and head up the finance side, I jumped at the chance.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I am immensely proud of the achievements we have made in our first year at Valouran. Lots of my friends raised eyebrows when I announced we were launching a property development business at a time when the UK was teetering on going into recession, interest rates had soared, and construction cost inflation was rampant.
Against this backdrop, within 12 months we are now working on multiple developments with a gross development value in excess of £500m.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?
Like many, I found dealing with the pandemic an incredibly unsettling period. I was so impressed, however, with the pragmatism and adaptability shown by my colleagues. Within a matter of days, we were seamlessly managing the delivery of £1bn developments whilst all sat at home.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Successive governments have stated planning reform as being one of their major priorities, yet limited progress has been made. Rather than target wholesale reform, I would encourage central government to increase public spending on planning that has consistently fallen since austerity measures were introduced post the great financial crisis.
What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?
Never give up. Developing property successfully is incredibly difficult, particularly to the exacting standards demanded by the prime market. That, and to surround yourself with a talented team.
Name your favourite building in the world?
The Sydney Opera House. The design still looks incredibly fresh today, even though it dates from the late 1950s. Its construction was incredibly drawn out and the project went hugely over budget, however – lots of lessons to be learned for any project managers out there.
Which famous building do you most dislike?
The Fenchurch Building (the Walkie-Talkie) – I just find it overbearing.
Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?
Bosco Verticale, Milan – I would love to build something like this in the UK but I’m not sure we have the right climate.
What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
To my mind a successful career is fundamentally about forging great relationships. All the most positive moments on my journey to date have been created this way. You can only do this by getting out there and meeting and working with as many people as possible.
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
Norman Foster, the genius behind so many great buildings.
What is it like being you (and doing your job)?
Both home (with my three young children) and work are one big juggling act. I find organisation and prioritising the most important things are key to keeping all those balls in the air.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
What do you think your best quality is?
The ability to absorb a lot of information and assess a business opportunity quickly.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?
Like lots of people, if there is a task I don’t particularly enjoy then I am prone to putting it off and prioritising the things that I like, rather than just getting it done.
Name three things that you like
Great design, fine wine and being by the ocean.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely an early bird. I find I have my greatest clarity of thought first thing in the morning (post caffeine!), before I get caught up in the myriad of meetings, calls and emails that each day inevitably brings.
What is your favourite food?
Definitely Indian. I have my Birmingham roots to thank for that passion.
What would your superpower be?
I’d love to be able to fly.
No comments yet