- Tell us a little bit about your business/organisation…
Centrick Commercial is an MRICS accredited, multi-disciplinary property consultancy. We advise both tenants and landlords on all property related matters.
In a sector dominated by large, global corporates, we offer a different perspective and a fresh, boutique approach.
- How did you get into the industry?
My first degree was in Law and French but I ended up in IT recruitment. When I fell out of love with that, I decided I wanted something with a professional qualification. I had always loved property, so went back to university to undertake a Masters in Real Estate Management and went on to become a Chartered Surveyor. The rest, as they say, is history!
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
Working in the built environment, the biggest opportunity is to help shape the world we all work live and play in. The challenge is to get everyone involved in the process to be on the same page at the same time!
- How would you describe your leadership style?
Fair and relaxed. We’re a team, we have a job to do and need to do it well, but we should enjoy the process too. I’m very conscious that we spend most of our lives at work, so it has to offer more than just a pay cheque.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
There is no one-size-fits all approach for this, as people are driven by different things; money, status and numerous other factors. I try to identify what that thing is for each individual and show them how they can achieve what they want and need through their role and how they can grow into their next position too.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business/organisation running smoothly and being successful?
Internally, it’s essential to create a vision and culture that people value and buy into. Then everyone has to understand how their individual actions contribute to the team’s overall success. Shared purpose coupled with individual accountability is the aim.
Externally, it’s about really understanding what drives our clients’ needs and delivering a solution based on their long term commercial objectives and not just the immediate real estate issue.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
Like for most people, it’s been a real challenge. The property market has been incredibly volatile over the last year but I think out of that volatility comes significant opportunity. Those that respond the quickest to the ‘new normal’ will benefit the most and at Centrick, we do our best to be agile and responsive.
- Is there anything you’ve learnt during the pandemic that you’ll take forward in your business/organisation?
I will definitely try to keep some of the perspective I developed through the challenges of 2020; remaining flexibe
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business/organisation?
As I said I think there is a huge opportunity for us. There is both space and appetite for a boutique, independent agency that thinks a little differently. The world has changed and the market needs help navigating that change: that’s where we can add real value.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in some large transactions over the years and was even nominated for Birmingham Property Professional of the Year (didn’t win!) but the really enjoyable moments are the interactions with people I’ve met on my property journey. I’m very fortunate to work in a sector that allows for a balance of work and play.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
In the past I’ve spent too much time stressing about things that didn’t warrant the emotional energy. The world is small and relationships that endure are important, so I try to not take things too personally.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Have a plan!
