Monday Meets Jack Purr - Leasing Manager

This week in Monday Meets, we introduce Leasing Manager Jack Purr . Since joining in November 2020, Jack has been an integral part of the business, driving new income by letting available spaces across our portfolio, and collaborating with teams across the company to shape spaces that meet current market demand. With a diverse background, beginning as an apprentice, Jack brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role at Derwent London.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment?

I am working on several live leasing campaigns including the retail units at Loxton Walk, several Furnished + Flexible units across Tea Building and Henry Wood House, to CAT A floor plates at 25 Savile Row, 1+2 Stephen Street and The White Chapel Building. Alongside that, we are firmly in the design room on several pipeline projects including Greencoat & Gordon House, 20 Farringdon Road and Holden House, where you truly see Derwent’s design ethos come to life.?

How did you get into the property industry?

I had a slightly different route into the industry. After leaving school post A-Levels, I joined Landsec as an apprentice where I rotated through the whole business, rather than just the ‘property’ disciplines. I took on roles in marketing, IT, and even a rather shaky performance in property accounts. I wanted to find something I was passionate about and advance my studies in my chosen field. It just so happened that I rotated through their Asset Management team, and they couldn’t get rid of me!

Alongside working full time, I completed my undergraduate degree in Real Estate Management. I then joined Derwent London as an Asset Manager before moving to the Leasing team two years later.

What does a typical day look like for you?

The role is incredibly diverse. Workload is often dictated by what leasing campaigns are live at that moment in time, and the transaction and therefore relationship management which comes with that. Each campaign has its own challenges, and no campaign is the same, which definitely keeps things interesting.

One constant is our direct communication with the agency market, both tenant rep and landlord disposal to identify potential tenants for our spaces and staying close to the ground on activity across the various sub-markets and reporting back to the business to ensure the Senior team remain in the know!

As a team we work incredibly closely with many departments across the business, including Asset Management, Marketing, Development, Property Management and Finance, to ensure our leasing strategy is aligned with the asset-by-asset strategy and therefore Derwent’s overall operational objectives.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with such a range of talented people and professionals from architects, M&E experts, agents and lawyers, to planners, marketing agencies, retailers, and big corporates!

It’s refreshing to meet so many different people who are experts in their field and piecing together their knowledge and expertise, which has such a huge impact on the way we manage our portfolio. Without each of them, we would not be able to deliver such amazing spaces for our Members.

What has been your highlight at Derwent London so far?

My highlight is a recent one, which is closing out our retail scheme, One Oxford Street W1, part of Soho Place. We have just completed on the last two units, which means Soho Place is now 100% let! It’s been a brilliant experience, and we have cultivated a really great parade with strong brands which will continue to support the growth of East Oxford Street.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

Get really geeky for real estate and the market. Understand the?impact of the push and pull factors on a market and sub-market level – there is so much information available, so use it. Be inquisitive and be a pest. Often, people are happy to share their time and knowledge, so leverage that where you can!?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am trying to get my golf game in a place whereby I don’t embarrass myself completely on the course,?so that is a key focus right now, but my spare time is mostly full of getting out for a run, or heading to the gym, and watching Super Sunday with my family and a cold beer!?