What does a typical day involve for a Regional Manager?
It’s incredibly varied. In any given week, I can be identifying and reviewing new opportunities with our Land Studies Team, meeting directly with landowners and local agents, and assessing potential sites. I also stay on top of the latest Local Plans and planning applications across our extensive region which includes East Sussex, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire and Greater London, so this is no small task!
I also lead the legal process from initial handshake through to the exchange of a Promotion Agreement, working closely with landowners, their advisers and our own Board to secure approval.
Alongside this, I manage the day-to-day running of our portfolio, collaborating with our in-house Technical and Design Teams and external consultants. Together, we guide projects from acquisition through to securing planning permission, before partnering with our Disposals Team to bring a developer on board.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I really enjoy the range of projects we have within the South East portfolio, from greenfield to PDL, small to urban extensions and all the other uses we promote. No site is the same and it definitely keeps you on your toes! Working in the patch that I live in is great, as I get to see the benefits of development come out the ground.
What do you enjoy about working for Richborough?
For me, I really enjoy the autonomy I’m afforded with this role to identify and progress new opportunities across the South East region. The collaboration with colleagues, agents and consultant teams has been enhanced even more with our new office in London.
What is your proudest achievement with Richborough?
I am proud to have helped secure a ‘resolution to grant’ planning consent at Danbury from Chelmsford City Council. And to have been involved in the launch of the ‘Richborough Pathway’ developing a programme for our junior starters to get hands-on experience in all aspects and facets of Richborough and how we engage with the wider land and planning industry.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter land promotion?
Your network is key, whether that be new opportunities or sharing information. Go to the events, get out there and meet as many people you can.
How do you unwind after a particularly challenging day?
I typically unwind by going for a run or playing sports such as football and padel or taking my dog, Fawn, for a walk…usually with a pit stop at my local pub.