Property Focus: The Interview – Alan Vincent
In our series of interviews with top professionals from across the property sector, TheBusinessDesk catches up with Alan Vincent, senior partner at Lancashire-based Vincents Solicitors, specialising in commercial and residential conveyancing.
What are your views of the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?
Commercial property seems to be recovering slightly from a very low base level. We expect to see some further improvement in 2010 but not quickly and only gathering a little pace. Property development remains very slow and that will continue until mortgage finance for first time buyers improves.
What key challenges and pieces of legislation do you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?
The removal of stamp duty concessions and the return of VAT at 17.5% will slow down the recovery, at least in the first part of 2010.
Why do you think the North West is a good place to do business?
The North West has a high population with a skilled workforce and even in a recession like this one is a good place to be, and we like living here don’t we!
What is your favourite building/development in the North West and why?
The seafront development at Cleveleys is functional, attractive and has proved to be an economic boost for the town. It has deservedly won every award going.
If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?
We should be doing more to improve our infrastructure. Public spending in that area would help the economy in the short and the long term.
What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?
My first ever job was waiting on at Ollerenshaws Fish and Chip Shop along Blackpool Promenade. I was 15 and I always wanted to be a lawyer so I went to university and then to Law School and became an articled clerk.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Every day is different and produces fresh challenges.
What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?
There is a prejudice against provincial firms amongst bigger organisations which we have only been able to overcome by doing work for them and proving our expertise in action.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Think before you speak.
And the worst?
Being told to invest in the banks a few months before the crash, advice I fortunately did not take.
