Colin Anderson reflects on his Todd Milburn career spanning over 30 years

My career at Todd Milburn has certainly been a fun-filled adventure but it's definitely the people who make the place.?

In 1990, when my son was a few months old, I was unexpectedly made redundant so decided to give freelancing a go.?At that time, I already knew Reg Milburn from a previous collaborative project in 1989.?I found myself working for Todd Milburn regularly and was delighted to be offered a full-time role. So really, I've worked with them almost from day one.??

The practice was established in 1989 on Sandyford Road in Shieldfield, and through fast growth, we soon moved to New Bridge Street in 1991.?It's been great to recently see the team move to its third premises on Shakespeare Street which feels like a really befitting new home for the next phase of Todd Milburn.?

The business was originally established as a partnership by Reg and Stephen Todd. People came and went but Paul Carmichael and I were part of the core technical team. The delightful Anne Smith, our office manager, joined us in 2005 and has been here ever since.

In 2008, the business was incorporated and Paul and I became Directors following investment in the business.?

There were ups and downs including a couple of recessions which were tough financially but more so because of how conscious we were about protecting our people.?We got through them all and in fact, were delighted to re-employ a couple of the people we did have to let go.?

Paul Carmichael moved on from the business, we welcomed the renowned expertise of? Michael Henning as a Director, and?Steve and subsequently Reg retired from the business.?By 2019, I was Senior Director and major shareholder.??

When it came to reviewing future talent and?succession planning,?myself and?Michael?moved quickly to secure Mark Berry . He's a brilliant bloke and more importantly an excellent QS, and I think?Michael?and him make a great team to drive the business?forward. It's great to know Todd Milburn is in such good hands moving?forward.

I'm a massive football fan and played at a very poor level until the age of 55.??Having said that,?the Todd Milburn five aside team won two trophies,?including being the last winners of?the prized RICS?McClymont?Cup.?

My granddaughter Arlah is three, so grandad stuff will of course be ongoing and my son Scott is to be a dad in July - with all that will bring!??For me the future isn't about stopping, I'll be continuing at Todd Milburn in a consultancy role but will be?playing a bit more golf, doing some field sports and generally enjoying the opportunity to take things a bit easier.

Thank you to everyone who I have had the privilege of working with and who has supported Todd Milburn over the years. I hope to see you at the forthcoming event in September, if not before.?