That sure is a bold claim. And we mean that literally: they bolded those four words in the press release. They being Property+Padel, which is hosting the UK’s first Corporate Padel Cup on 18 September at the “true symbol of London’s corporate padel scene”, Padium in Canary Wharf. Tickets are on sale, £500 a pair – a small price for whoever secures bragging rights on the day. “Who has time for 18 holes of golf any more?” ask Property+Padel’s founders, rhetorically. Who indeed? Far better to get your adrenaline kick of competitive networking on the court, thanks to the craze that has swept real estate in recent years. Diary is not throwing its racquet into the ring just yet, but, as an occasional tennis player, we would love the chance to find out what the fuss is all about. Anyone out there who can introduce us to padel?
‘Sorry love, I’m still at work’
Helical’s new(ish) office, just off Carnaby Street, W1, is a far cry from the investor-developer’s old digs on Hanover Square, and the vibrancy of Soho gives the team plenty of options to unwind after a long day. But don’t be surprised if you see a lot of the team opt for the Ganton Arms. It’s not just convenient that the pub is in the same building as its new home – one member of the team has realised that, if loved ones look for their phone’s location when they’re running late, they can pretend they are still at their desk on the fifth floor rather than at the bar.
Meet the team: Anna Durkie, production editor
You joined Estates Gazette as a sub-editor in 2017 and have worked your way up to production editor – how do you describe your job to people you meet?
In simple terms, I’m quality control. I manage the copy-editing, proof-reading and production process of the magazine and website. I work really closely with the editorial, marketing, events and sales teams, oversee deadlines and uphold our editorial standards across the business. I’m the person behind the scenes.
What are the key skills you need for your role and the particular qualities you bring to it?
You have to have to be able to work at speed while ensuring accuracy, have the ability to prioritise and keep a cool head under pressure. I won’t lie, I get a thrill out of seeing the time tick down as our print deadline gets closer.
You’ve worked on national news desks and on a food/travel magazine – how does the real estate sector compare?
Real estate affects every part of our lives, whether you realise it or not. It can be as complex as breaking down a controversial government policy or a lease being signed for a new restaurant around the corner. It also helps that my husband is a chartered surveyor, so you can imagine some of the “riveting” conversations we have.
You are originally from Australia. How long have you been in the UK, what first brought you here?
I’ve been in the UK for 20 years. How I came over is a long story but it involves an ex-boyfriend buying me a one-way ticket to the other side of the world, which my husband thinks was a genius move.
Is there anything you still really miss?
I’m obviously meant to say I miss my family but what I really miss are dim sims – an Australian takeaway “delicacy”.
You are a marathon runner in your spare time – how would you sum up the appeal?
I did Manchester this year and it’s fair to say it was much harder than last year. The heat was brutal, especially when most of my training was done in the depths of winter. The appeal is knowing you can do hard things and to not give up. It’s important my two young kids see that.
You have a demanding, high-pressure job and a time-consuming, energy-sapping hobby – so what do you do to relax?
Relax?! What’s that? I have very little downtime but running really does help me clear my head. I am also partial to a glass or three of anything grape-based.
Images © Adobe Stock; Jamie Hodgkinson
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