The development director and partner at The Harkalm Group on how he got started in the property industry, his favourite film and song, his number-one travel destination and the football legend he’d love to meet.
How did you join the property industry?
During my A-levels, I gained work experience with a property developer who was also a chartered surveyor. This inspired me to pursue a degree in real estate management at university.
What does your job entail?
I lead our development team across the core sectors of roadside, foodstores and education. My role involves ensuring risks are mitigated ahead of construction and that projects reach practical completion on time and within budget.
I place great importance on building long-term relationships with UK operators, many of which become tenants within our acquisitions. By aligning Harkalm’s expertise with the growth ambitions of our partners, I focus on delivering sustainable developments that create lasting value.
What do you like most about the industry?
Property is a people business. I believe in the value of face-to-face meetings over lunch or dinner, where genuine connections are made. I enjoy building long-term relationships and friendships with agents and operators.
And what do you dislike most about it?
The wider economic environment and changes in legislation are factors beyond our control, yet they can significantly affect how we do business. However, I view them as opportunities to anticipate obstacles, find solutions and ensure that projects keep moving while the business continues to grow.
What is your favourite building?
The Empire State Building has always been an iconic landmark to me. It is not just its height and art deco design, but the story behind it: the building was completed in just over a year during the Great Depression. It went on to stand as the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years, which is remarkable when you consider the pace of development since then.
Who in property has inspired you?
I have been fortunate to have inspiring mentors throughout my career. The developer who gave me the chance to gain work experience ultimately set me on my career path. Later, property directors at Pizza Hut, Tesco and Starbucks gave me the opportunity to expand and deepen my knowledge of the industry.
If you had not gone into property, what would you be doing?
I would be a football journalist. I love the sport, so the opportunity to attend matches, write reviews and interview players and managers would be incredibly exciting.
What would you change about the industry?
I would bring greater certainty and efficiency to the planning process. Too often, delays create unnecessary risk and slow the delivery of important projects. The industry must also become more sustainable to deliver schemes that create lasting benefits for future generations.
What challenges have you overcome?
I graduated in 2007 at the onset of the global financial crisis, when graduate roles in property were almost non-existent. Breaking into the industry required real tenacity and I worked hard to secure opportunities that allowed me to build both my knowledge and my network of contacts.
What do you value in people?
Honesty, hard work and never giving up.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in the property industry?
The property industry is wide and varied. It can also be competitive, so fight to be where you want and don’t take no for an answer. It is not a bad thing to experience different roles and this can help you determine the career path you’d like to take.
Top recommendations
Celebrity to meet?
Sir Alex Ferguson. He is widely regarded as the most successful football manager in history, not only for his unmatched trophy haul but for his unique leadership style. He had an extraordinary ability to get the very best out of every single player, regardless of their role or status. Anyone looking to grow in their career or personal life can learn from his approach to discipline, adaptability, motivation and vision.
Favourite film?
Moneyball. It is based on a true story about the Oakland Athletics baseball team and their unconventional journey to success. It is a real David-and-Goliath story in which the low-budget team use data-driven analysis and metrics to select undervalued players to create a better team and win against the odds. Their approach not only transformed baseball but has since influenced analytics-driven strategies across other sports and industries.
Favourite song?
Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers just fits any mood. It is uplifting, reflective and shows a different side of the band – that is what makes it such a powerful track.
Favourite destination?
The Northern Lights have always been on my list – one of nature’s greatest wonders. For me, Tromsø in Norway would be the perfect place to experience them, as it offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere compared with the busier, more tourist-focused Reykjavik in Iceland.
