Property Focus: The Interview – Peter Jones
What are your views of the current state of the commercial property and property development markets?
There has been a huge amount of doom and gloom for the last two years but the industry has kept going and, although the market has been challenging, deals have still been done. On the asset management side, at CBRE we have continued to push deals through to secure income, as long as realism applies about rent levels and the incentives needed to reflect the wider market.
My view is that the development sector will be weak for some time to come while there is uncertainty and banks remain unwilling to lend.
What key challenges and pieces of legislation do you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?
The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is going to be a significant issue and many in the industry appear poorly prepared. There is no getting around the fact that the government will continue to press for greener buildings and better performance from the industry in terms of energy management.
Why do you think the North West is a good place to do business?
It’s a big conurbation and has two fantastic, vibrant cities in Liverpool and Manchester and that’s before you think of Chester, Preston and Lancaster.
What is your favourite building/development in the North West and why?
The old Liverpool gems, India Buildings (which CBRE manages) and St Georges Hall are among my favourites.
If you could change anything about the North West what would it be?
I’m a cricket lover and wish we could have warm, dry summers.
What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?
I worked my summer holidays after doing A levels at Beavan Maples surveyors in Liverpool. The lads there told me I should give up a University place and do Estate Management at Liverpool Poly. That was my intro to the surveying field and I got into Property Management when a rugby team-mate arranged an interview for me with Land Securities.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
The property business seems to attract positive, outgoing people.
What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?
I’m from Liverpool, have a forgettable name and look like a night club bouncer but, to be honest, even with those chips on my shoulder there has never been a barrier.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You need to beam me back to my school days for that…‘read the question’! It applies in the work context too.
And the worst?
All modern cars are reliable!
