During a turbulent period for UK real estate, my optimism might surprise you

Throughout almost 30 years in the industry, I’ve never seen market conditions quite like those we’ve got right now. It’s testament to the talent in our organisation that we’ve done more than stay resilient over the past 12 months. We’ve actively grown, and some areas of the business such as our Public Sector Regeneration and Building Surveying teams, have grown considerably although margins are being squeezed.

Recently completed projects like the Hotel Dame des Arts, Paris, demonstrate the level we’re working at. Kudos to our Hospitality team for what’s turned out to be a true masterpiece.

People-powered business results

In these changing times we’ve been busy helping our clients with their existing assets, review proposed projects and advising on how to make schemes more viable in general. And of course, our own people are thriving too. We’ve announced 11 promotions across the business, including four associate directors.

With five graduates joining us in September, and four work experience students finishing up this summer, the future looks bright. In line with our Values, we will continue to invest in the next generation to make sure we’re always surrounded by the best people that truly fit our culture.

It’s also important to take time and celebrate ourselves. Our all-staff conference and social in May was followed more recently by our family summer event at the Plough in Ealing and was an absolute smash, it was just so great to see everyone having fun with their families. Thanks to everyone who came along. ?

In other people news, we’ve also had two JRP weddings recently. Huge congratulations to Dominic Cherry, one of the Directors in John Rowan and Partners, tied the knot a couple of months ago.? Followed by Rajvina Nijjer a Senior Building Surveyor who got married in April.

Getting to grips with tomorrow

As for me, I’ve got my eye on the future in my new role. The job has three main parts; being MD of JRP, sitting on Bellrock’s Exec Committee, and working with them on future mergers and acquisitions. Thankfully, extra oversight is also giving me more insight into what’s on the horizon.

For one thing, our colleagues in Bellrock Group are only going to become more integral to our ongoing success. We’re seeing stronger results from work with our sister companies Oakleaf, NIFES, Concerto, Martech, and Carbon Architecture. Workplace (FM), CAFM software, FRAs, EWS1s, energy, and fire advice are among the standout areas of client demand from us.

As we integrate more, we will also see opportunities for the JRP team to work across different sectors (NHS, higher education, retail, central government) and more regionally – add that to our strength in housing in London, the Home Counties and the South East and hospitality more nationally, and it’s a great place to be, with exciting times ahead.

There’s also an election looming. One possible result is one which has historically been good for housing and public spending… if the money is there after covid. More central government support for new housing would certainly ease some of the industry’s anxieties at a turbulent time.

But regardless, we’ve shown we can endure tough times. We have a well-established presence in a diverse range of markets, powered by outstanding colleagues. That foothold is our stepping stone to further growth and more career opportunities – whilst of course living our Values – which actually mirror the ‘One Bellrock’ strategy.

Onwards & upwards!

Mash