Property Focus: The Interview – Joby Howard

JOBY Howard is a partner and newly appointed head of Drivers Jonas Leeds’ project management and building consultancy team.

Commercial property consultant Drivers Jonas employs more than 20 people in its Leeds office and has seen turnover boosted thanks to strengthening its position as a leading advisory service to the public sector.

1. What are your views of the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?

“Activity has been in steady decline for some time and most recent development is in the public sector. I see this as being the status quo for some time despite some encouraging signs in the wider economy.

“Of course this very much relies on the outcome of next year’s election when there is a very real risk of the public sector tap being turned off. The danger, I believe, is that the private sector will not have recovered enough in time to compensate.

2. What key challenges and pieces of legislation do you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?

“Despite the downturn, the drive for sustainability has continued apace and from next year all new buildings will have to be at least 25% more efficient than current regulations currently demand.

“This will have far reaching effects on the industry from the design of new developments to the things occupiers look for in a building.”

3. Why do you think Yorkshire is a good place to do business?

“Well I am a new boy in town, but so far I like the straight talking Yorkshire mentality and honesty.”
 
4. What is your favourite building/development in Yorkshire and why?

“To be honest, my favourites change all the time but one of our current projects is the £5m redevelopment and regeneration of the listed Scarborough Spa complex, and it is such an impressive building.”

5. If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?

“Public transport is a perennial problem, but this is the same for any major UK city it seems. A regular fast train service from Leeds to Manchester would be a really good start.”

6. What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?

“Assistant estate agent. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately as it turned out, that was in the last recession and my services were soon surplus to requirements.

“In hindsight that was very fortuitous as it made my mind up to go to university and study for a building surveying degree, which led me into my current career.”

7. What do you most enjoy about your job?

“It’s hugely diverse, from working on new build projects to breathing new life into magnificent historic buildings like Scarborough Spa.

“Working in project management also means you get to work as part of a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

“I also get to travel, getting to see lots the North of England which I really enjoy.”

8. What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?

“I am very fortunate not to have experienced any significant barriers to the progression of my career but I’ve always seen dogged determination and self-belief is the best way to deal with any challenge.”

9. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“That cheap advice is very expensive in the long run.”

10. And the worst?

“A friend of mine dabbled in the stock market at university and he convinced me to buy £500 worth of shares in a technology company. Think they were worth about £60 last time I checked.”