Property Focus: The Interview – Marcus Wilkins

PROPERTY Focus returns with Marcus Wilkins, studio director in the Birmingham office of building consultancy and design practice Aedas.

If you are interested in taking part in ‘The Interview’, please email tamlyn.jones@thebusinessdesk.com and click through to see all our previous Property Focus Interviews.

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

It is still a very challenging era despite reports of the recession lifting. We spend more time and effort than ever before in nurturing clients and doing lots of ingrained market research.

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

The public sector cutbacks and the continued lack of confidence in lending money. We have an opportunity to attract investment following the Government’s decision to award Birmingham with an enterprise zone and it will be exciting to see this come to life.

3. Why do you think the West Midlands is a good place to do business?

Having worked in different parts of the world such as London, Madrid, UAE and Pakistan, I think that Birmingham underestimates itself. There are a huge number of people who are willing to stand up and make a difference in this city. There are not many other places that have this attitude and we should build on it and harness its energy.

4. What is your favourite building/development in the West Midlands and why?

Fort Dunlop in Birmingham. This is an amazing old industrial building which has been incredibly influential for the area. It has an arty feel and was created to deliver an enterprising design hub into the region. It is a shame it is out of town but it is good that it has become a destination in its own right.

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

Increase the confidence of the region, improve speaking as one voice, promote common purpose and develop Birmingham together. I also want to instil common pride and convert the cynical.

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

I am inquisitive by nature and can also see a way forward in projects where others may come unstuck. This sometimes leads to me getting impatient with myself but I have learned to listen and learn before jumping in with my own enthusiasm unleashed.

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

I was recruited by Percy Thomas in Birmingham. I then moved to London and subsequently onto Madrid. I came to work for BDP in the Midlands, working on jobs ranging from the new Queen Elizabeth Medical Campus in Birmingham to several university mMasterplans in Libya and subsequently joined Aedas to head up the Birmingham office.

8. What do you most enjoy about your job?

I will never tire of putting my heart and soul into a project and watching it grow from a concept to a reality. In every scheme you deliver, there is always a little bit of you in it. I couldn’t ask for more in a job.

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

Treat others how you would wish to be treated.

10. And the worst?

One more drink won’t hurt…