Property Focus: The Interview – Nick Wylie
Nick Wylie, regional director Midlands at Lend Lease, discusses LEPs, the Midlands business community and the Curve Theatre in Property Focus.
If you are interested in taking part in ‘The Interview’, please email andy.coyne@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?
The property market has been through a very difficult time and the outlook continues to be hit by economic uncertainty, however there are now glimmerings of schemes being dusted off, buoyed by investment in infrastructure developments. The go ahead for major projects such as HS2 is bound to increase confidence levels within the West Midlands region.
2. What are the key challenges and pieces of legislation you think will most affect your sector over the coming months?
One of the key challenges, and opportunities, is to see how Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will develop and the resulting commercial opportunities that will arise, including how businesses can work and support LEPs. Politically the next few months herald an interesting time for the West Midlands with both local elections and the mayoral reform taking place, so I am watching the local political landscape, and the effect it has on the commercial property market, with interest.
3. Why do you think the West Midlands is a good place to do business?
It’s definitely a case of location, location, location. Close to 40% of the UK population is within a two hour drive time from Birmingham itself and our central location does mean that we have access to excellent transport links. A strong academic and automotive sector also means that, in terms of engineering in particular, the region produces some of the most talent and skilled engineers.
4. What is your favourite building/development in the West Midlands and why?
My favourite architectural icon is The Curve Theatre in Leicester. I worked on this development back in 2008 and find the building particularly eye catching. I really like modern architecture and this is a great example by architect Rafel Vinoly. Well worth a visit.
5. If you could improve anything in the region, what would it be?
The city centre of Birmingham has undergone a huge transformation over the past few years and I would like to see this type of regeneration ripple out further into the greater city areas.
6. What barriers have you faced during your career and how have you overcome them?
When I moved to Birmingham eight years ago I was entering a market that I didn’t know, nor understand. However after years of long hours and hard work I now have a clear understanding of the market in the West Midlands, but also feel completely integrated into the region. It’s the people that have made the real difference. The business community takes great pride in the city and go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome. It’s just great to do business in Birmingham.
7. What was your first job and how did you enter your current line of work?
I entered the industry as a graduate engineer for Wimpey but I’ve always had an interest in seeing things being made and develop. At the age of 14 I was sent on day release from school to college so that I could study for qualifications related to the building industry.
8. What do you most enjoy about your job?
I’ve worked for Lend Lease for 26 years and still I get a real sense of pride when we complete a scheme. Whether it’s a school, hospital or a shopping centre, such as Touchwood, there’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing a development transform an area and the lives of people within the local community.
9. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up and don’t be afraid to try to make a difference.
10. And the worst?
Someone once told me in the middle of a recession to “keep your head below the parapet otherwise there’s a danger they’ll notice you and you’ll lose your job”. I couldn’t disagree more and to be honest if you reach the point when you don’t want to make a difference, you cease to be of any use for the business.
