What is the best thing about your job?
No two days are the same. My role means I span all stages of a development, from early conceptual, site feasibility studies and designs, planning applications, and construction on site with a chosen contracting partner. One day I could be engaging closely with a multi-billion-pound overseas investor/funder and the next I could be visiting a factory in Northern Ireland to view façade panels.
We are in a fortunate position whereby we have schemes sitting in all stages of development so my days are varied and require me to work closely with a myriad of people within the construction industry and beyond.
Where is the opportunity for the business in the next year?
There are many opportunities for us next year. Given the nature of our developments, whether completed on-site or in pre-construction stages, we are at the forefront of designing and constructing buildings that incorporate the very latest building regulations, compliance requirements and submissions to and engagement with the Building Safety Regulator.
We have had to learn very quickly and are lucky enough to work with some of the best-in-class Designers, Engineers, and Professionals in the industry, and with the knowledge already gained, we are well-positioned to be able to bring forward the safest, most futureproofed, and highly specified residential buildings in the city next year and into the future. We have excellent relationships within the city and will look to strengthen them to ensure we understand and ultimately deliver exactly what Birmingham wants and needs.
What is the big issue affecting your sector at the moment, and how will this make itself felt more widely?
It’s important to note that the construction industry is highly dynamic, and the specific issues it faces can vary by region and over time. The challenges facing the industry in 2023 differ from those in recent years. We believe that staying updated on industry news and trends is crucial for understanding the current landscape.
On a macro-level, recently, we have had to deal with the challenges of a pandemic, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages as a direct result of Brexit, inflation causing sharp rises in material/transport/labour costs, and the adoption of new/updated and far more stringent building regulations – which of course we are fully onboard with given what they are driving the industry to achieve, from an environmental and building safety perspective.
On a more micro-level, the well-publicised issues Birmingham is unfortunately facing is beginning to be felt in our sector, with statutory approvals seemingly taking longer and the funding market wanting to take a much more cautious approach.
What has been the biggest change to your sector in the last 5-10 years, and what has been the impact of that?
The construction sector has seen many significant changes over the past 5-10 years, with technology, sustainability, and innovation playing a central role. Notable changes also include the move to prefabrication and modular construction, building Green and the great strides in sustainable construction practices and building operation; and advancements in construction materials and techniques that now allow for taller, stronger, safer, greener, and more resilient buildings.
Focussing on the residential sector side of things, I think the most significant changes have been surrounding technology, design trends, and socioeconomic factors influencing the way homes are built and lived in. As I have mentioned, there has been growing emphasis on green building practices, resulting in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes. The rise of remote working has led to a greater need for home office spaces and technology infrastructure within residential properties; all our developments offer residents super-fast broadband, co-working and collaborative spaces, and spaces where people can relax in and meet fellow residents.
The adoption of smart home technology, combined with these other changes, has made residential living more convenient, sustainable, and adaptable to the evolving needs of homeowners. These trends are expected to continue influencing the residential sector as technology and housing design continue to evolve in response to changing lifestyles and preferences.
Give me an example of a lesson you learnt early in your career that has stuck with you?
At the risk of sounding cliché, the old saying “there is no such thing as a stupid question” is definitely something I learned early on and is true! Another early lesson I have learned that sticks with me is to always trust your instinct.
Who has been the biggest influence on their career? / Who inspires you?
Despite not working in my industry, the biggest influence on not only my career, but my life, is my late father. My Dad’s family moved to the UK with very little and he paid his own way through university by working two jobs to qualify as a doctor. His hard work, care, and dedication to others, as well as his family, was always such an inspiration to me and I strive each day to emulate that. From a young age, he taught my brother and I to work hard at everything we do, and despite not being with us anymore, he is still my biggest inspiration.
How do you relax away from work?
Many say this is an odd way to relax, but I am part of the pre-5 am club, and find the best way to start my day is a 5 am gym session followed by walking my dog. My weekends are spent spending time with my young family and getting extremely frustrated on a golf course somewhere out in the countryside.