New Year is always the time of resolutions. In property, career progression and a desire for more stability are at the top of 2011’s wish list. By Noella Pio Kivlehan
Eve Barraclough, graduate surveyor, valuation & advisory services, Colliers International
“In 2011, I hope for continued growth in the market, the opportunity to gain insight across the wider spectrum of the industry and – most importantly – to start preparation for my APC in 2012.”
Ian Parish, head of lettings and sales, BNP Paribas Real Estate
“My goal is to continue to grow our transactional business across all sectors and to make more high-quality senior appointments to capitalise on our existing strengths.”
Edward Dewar, national PR manager, GVA Grimley
“I joined the Territorial Army in October – for three reasons: to further my own career by enhancing my CV, create a better work-play balance and to give myself the opportunity of a life-changing experience by being deployed to Afghanistan when I complete my phase one and two training.”
Jonny McDowell, first-year graduate, Jones Lang LaSalle/LaSalle Investment Management
“My first placement is with LaSalle Investment Management and, working on the fund management side of the business, I hope to learn how to strategically purchase assets that we believe will perform, and keep our funds in a position to weather uncertainty in the market.
Harry Pickering, graduate, MMX Retail
“Working in a niche, growing agency, I see next year providing ample opportunity to develop my experience across retail, which will feed into my APC and IMC studies.”
Dan Bayley, head of central London markets at BNP Paribas Real Estate
“My ambition for 2011 is to capitalise upon the landmark land-occupier deals we did in 2010 and to make a similar impact on the central London residential and retail markets.”
Ross Kirton, associate director, licensed & leisure, Colliers International
“After winning Restaurant Property Advisory Society Deal 2010 and seeing us shortlisted for EG’s Property Adviser of the Year – Leisure, I’m determined to bring home more silverware next year.”
Andrew Lamont, management surveyor, McConnell Chartered Surveyors, Belfast
”I am focused on sitting my APC. Becoming a qualified chartered surveyor will help build upon my relationship with key clients and perhaps help to attract new ones.”
Sebastian Norman, graduate, professional department, Chesterton Humberts
“Having just passed my APC, I have applied to become an ‘APC buddy’ to help others sitting their assessment and to help me become more involved with the RICS to keep alive the knowledge and skills developed for my assessment.”
Alastair Mant MRICS, graduate, GVA Grimley
“Now I’m qualified, I’m focusing on sustainability issues, so I’m hoping to increase my understanding of how the property sector can improve its environmental performance.”
Lisa Morgan MRICS, agency surveyor, McConnell Chartered Surveyors, Belfast “Goal: to let everything else at Kilroot Business Park, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, that I haven’t already let this year. Hope: that 2011 is easier than 2010!”
Dean Harrison, graduate, Cushman & Wakefield, Paris
“I am hoping to gain international experience in the form of a nine-month rotation to Paris within Cushman & Wakefield Investors. With this I hope to further my language skills, broaden my international investment horizons and continue to progress my APC Property Finance & Investment Pathway”
Nick Symons, partner, MMX Retail
“2011 is MMX Retail’s crucial second year. My focus will be on business expansion, including widening our core client base, selective recruitment and further strengthening the MMX brand.”
1 I resolve to work with neglected children (my own)
2 I will remember that just because an e-mail pops into my inbox, I don’t have to open it there and then
3 I will unglue my BlackBerry from my hand for the sake of a) my marriage, b) my sanity, and c) to cure my addition to Brickbreaker (on which I’ve managed to reach 23,550)
4 I will continue to religiously read Estates Gazette every Saturday morning
5 I will not obsess over whether I will get a bonus in 2011 (or how much everyone else may be getting)
6 I will refrain from calling Finos, or Balls Brothers at Brook Street, and any and all other public houses “my real home”
7 I will think lovingly of all property lawyers and repeat the mantra “they-are-not-at fault-for-delaying-all-my-deals” at least twice a day
8 I will smile kindly at everyone who calls me “just an estate agent”
9 I will tolerate everyone who asks me (seriously) how much their house would be worth
10 I will remember how tough it was being a graduate, so I will not be so smug in the future about my underlings
