Property Focus: The Interview – Mike Holliss, partner at hollissvincent

How difficult is it to operate in the property sector at this time?

There are always going to be challenges in running a consultancy business, and I can’t deny that there is an increased pressure on fee rates in the current climate, but it’s not difficult to win work if you are an expert in your field.

The key is to know what you are good at and the sectors you are strongest in.

Looking into your crystal ball, what are your predictions for the industry over the coming months?

There won’t be any dramatic changes to the commercial property market in the short term and I think that people need to realise is that it is extremely unlikely we will see things return to the dizzy heights of the boom years again.

This is the new ‘norm’ and if we all continue to work hard, we can still be successful.

The lack of affordable housing is a huge gripe of mine and I don’t see there being any short term uplift in the delivery of quality housing in the region or across the country.

I was really disappointed with the Government’s u-turn on requiring a six-year supply on housing. I also feel that the NPPF won’t deliver housing in the way it should do. There will still be plenty of uncertainty and planning by appeal.

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

I know it’s been said before, but I think the region’s infrastructure is holding back future development opportunities. We need to have better linkages to other key regional cities, such as Birmingham, and I believe the best way to tackle this is to introduce a network of toll roads.

We’ve seen it work on the continent and it’s time to take the pressure off our existing roads.

Locally, the linkages within the Manchester city region also need improvement, but I am encouraged by the recent City Deal announcement from the Government, which should enable the Metrolink Trafford Park extension to be delivered.

How does the North West commercial property market compare to other regions in the UK?

Manchester is a great place to live and work. Its transformation over the past 20 years has been incredible to watch and the region’s commercial property market has certainly benefitted from this. Manchester is the driving force behind the regional economy and its position as the UK’s second city has attracted no end of investment and development opportunities.

What has been your biggest business achievement/mistake?

My biggest business achievements are twofold; firstly, it was setting up Roger Tym & Partners’ Manchester office back in 1989 and successfully growing it to become one of the most profitable and successful of the firm’s seven UK offices with a team of 11 exceptional property professionals.

Secondly, I can’t ignore the pride I feel about establishing hollissvincent, in the midst of a recession, and making a success of it. The first year has exceeded all our expectations.
 
What is the best project you’ve been involved in?

One of the projects I am most proud of is the work I undertook to help secure the regeneration funding for the Metrolink extensions out to Salford Quays and Eccles. To see the Metrolink built and put into use so successfully is really rewarding.

The scheme has had a significant impact on the development of The Quays and surrounding areas – it’s completely unrecognisable. Now only a ten-minute tram ride outside Manchester city centre, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK is a key contributor to the regional economy as a leading tourist attraction and home to world-class businesses, including the BBC.

What drives you to be the best in your field?

Pride and commercial necessity.

Name the person who has most inspired you and the one who has had the biggest influence on your career.

The person who has inspired me most has to be Roger Tym – a true character, always thinking outside the box and someone who led the way in establishing one of the first regeneration consultancies in the UK.

What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve been given?

The best piece of advice I have been given was from Roger Tym who said: ‘’You can do two things at the same time Michael, it’s what the firm is all about”. 

It was also the worst piece of advice, and has cost me many weekends.