Property Focus: The Interview: Jonathan Walsh

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

For those without access to working capital, near impossible. For the rest of us it is challenging but there are still plenty of opportunities to drive performance.

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

I think the issues in Europe will force some of the banks with heavy exposure to the commercial property sector to dispose of the assets they are currently holding onto, in the hope of values recovering in the medium term. I suspect that these disposals will generally be concluded behind closed doors.

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

As a director of Warrington & Co I would like to see a rejuvenated and more economically-vibrant Warrington town centre.

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

At the present time investment values are under particular pressure in the North West. Institutional investors currently lack confidence in the regions on going prospects for growth.  I think the occupational market is very similar to the rest of the UK.

What has been your biggest business mistake/achievement?

I am pleased to report that no single mistake springs to mind. As a general rule the vast majority of mistakes have been driven by less than perfect communication, an area that warrants permanent focus.

My greatest achievement is Birchwood Park. For over 12 years I have been instrumental in developing Birchwood Park into what many of my peer group consider to be the best business park in the North West. I am a Warrington man born and bred, which makes the success my team and I have achieved all the more special.

What is the best project you’ve been involved in?

Although it far from being my most valuable project I am particularly proud of the refurbishment of our central amenity complex at Birchwood Park, known as The Centre. In 2011 we invested £1.4m in the facility having prior to that invested in excess of £2.5m. We now have what we consider to be one of the finest facilities of its type on a business park in the UK.

What drives you to be the best in your field?

I am highly competitive and continually push myself to achieve. However, I am comfortable that it is my fear of failure which keeps me on my toes.

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

In my early years my Dad instilled in me a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. In more recent years I have a close circle of friends who have given me great advice and helped me retain my focus on what is important.

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

Best – “Never close a door.”

Worst – “Get good at sport and they’ll let you off your studies” on the day I went away to school at the age of 11 from my Dad. I broke numerous sports records but O-levels were a bit thin on the ground! I suspect my competitive streak has, in the end, served me well in the workplace.