John burns, chief executive of Derwent London is a popular figure among the property industry’s emerging leaders, but it is the “Ritblats and the Ronsons” and Lord Samuel, the founder of Land Securities whose work he admires the most.
“They were the real builders and just did things with a different style,” Burns said, before also heaping praise on contemporary rival Argent for “creating a destination (King’s Cross) from a place that people were afraid to go”.
Speaking on EG’s Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast, Burns made the strong assertion that Derwent would not be looking to venture too far out of London anytime soon.
“People have often said to us, why wouldn’t Derwent venture out of town, but the truth is we don’t know other markets well enough.
“To do New York for example, well that’s going into the jungle, isn’t it? That will be a tough crowd of real estate experts. I think some of these places are good for holidays but not to put money down.”
Speaking about the workplace culture at Derwent’s Saville Row headquarters, and how the company nurtures new recruits, Burns says he is committed to making himself available to all staff, and encourages younger colleagues to take part in business meetings.
“it’s interesting. A lot of companies don’t like presentations and meetings with investors, but we’re in the reverse. It’s a bit like giving out sweeties when deciding who going to go on this tour and that.”
When asked about any career regrets, he said: “I’d have worked a little harder. I didn’t wake up til I was in my late 30s. I may have been coasting for a time.”
In on the Act: Will the Renters (Reform) Bill strike a fairer balance for landlords and tenants?
EG @ UKREiiF: Manchester’s new tune
EG @ UKREiiF: Connecting places to people
EG @ UKREiiF: Biodiversity net gain puts developers to the test
EG @ UKREiiF: Smithfield’s place in Birmingham’s jigsaw
EG @ UKREiiF: Regenerating the Royal Docks
EG Like Sunday Morning: The office and PBSA world is yours
Bricks & Mortar: Nicky Richmond on how to network
EG’s Office Politics: Local elections and logjams
EG Like Sunday Morning: Against a bleak backdrop, reasons to be cheerful
Bricks & Mortar: Lisa Tye and Kathryn Jump on the benefits of a job share
EG Like Sunday Morning: From Fleet Street to Croydon
EG Like Sunday Morning: City regeneration and socio-economic representation
Bricks & Mortar: Fiona Lomas-Holt on the benefits of employee ownership
Long Harbour boss on £1.5bn single-family housing ambitions
EG Like Sunday Morning: Movers, shakers and certified bangers
EG Interview Live: Sellar chair Duncan Owen
In on the Act: Daniel Black and Fern Schofield discuss the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations
Streamlining for business growth: the Property Litigation Association view on 1954 Act reform
EG Interview Live: PfP Capital chief executive Catherine Webster
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Bank of America Treasury Insights
How I Crushed It
Pharmacy Podcast Network
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money