It’s National Careers Week – a celebration of career progression, and a chance to inspire schools, colleges, and universities as they guide young people in their career choices.
We’re marking the week with a series of articles from our Glenbrook colleagues, each of whom has taken the time write about their career, their passion for the industry and what the future holds for the property industry.
We start with Jonathan Rockett, project manager here in Manchester.
I really enjoy my job. I joined Glenbrook last year, taking on the role of project manager focusing on delivering some big projects like our build-to-rent development at Whitehall Riverside, Leeds – an exciting new scheme that will deliver 500 new homes in the city centre.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities – be that onsite at Whitehall Riverside or at any of our other sites. From coordinating stakeholders to overseeing design, procurement, and construction, I'm dedicated to ensuring our projects meet their objectives with precision and excellence.
A passion for property
My passion for property development runs deep, rooted in a family legacy of craftsmanship and expertise. Inspired by my grandfather's work at Granada Studios and my dad’s career as a chartered surveyor, I embarked on this career path with a strong foundation of mentorship and inspiration.
Striving for continuous improvement, I attained MRICS status in 2019, committing myself to promoting best practices and investing in my professional growth. This background empowered me to make the transition from a consulting role to the dynamic world of development at Glenbrook. While quantity surveying had been my comfort zone for years, I sought new challenges and experiences as a development/project manager, broadening my knowledge and skill set along the way.
And it’s certainly an exciting time to have jumped in to property and Glenbrook. With sweeping changes underway, including the implementation of the Building Safety Act and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the future of the built environment is evolving rapidly – and there’s more on the horizon like the Future Homes Standard, a pivotal step towards achieving net-zero targets and addressing housing needs sustainably.
As we navigate these changes, I'm eager to witness how the industry rises to the challenge. Collaboration among stakeholders will be key as we work towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. Together, we can shape a vibrant, resilient property sector that meets the needs of generations to come.
Next, it’s the turn of Solomon Halpern from our investment team, here in Manchester.
I have been passionate about the property sector for as long as I can remember, jumping into my first role from a young age, Since then, I've navigated my way through various roles to become Investment Analyst at Glenbrook, a role that excites me and continually fuels my enthusiasm for the industry.
My responsibilities span a wide spectrum, primarily focused on sourcing and evaluating commercial property investment opportunities. I alsocontribute in the execution of asset management strategies and facilitating the sale process upon completion of their respective business plans.
Bettering myself
There are many ways in which to establish a successful career in property. Central to my ethos is recognising the value of networking. Over the years, I’ve made some invaluable relationships within the industry, particularly with agents, which play a pivotal role in uncovering lucrative opportunities. Upon identifying an attractive investment prospect, I develop a comprehensive business proposal, outlining our intended value-add strategies, as well as projecting the investment's performance metrics.
My professional journey has been enriched through my commitment to continuous learning and development. As a qualified Chartered Surveyor and member of the RICS, I actively seek out opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge base. Glenbrook has enabled me to achieve my academic goals through their continued support and dynamic environment.
Challenges
Undoubtedly, the property sector presents its fair share of challenges. Adapting to dynamic macro-landscapes, such as the unforeseen disruptions caused by events like the Covid pandemic, demands resilience and unwavering determination. Moreover, staying on top of regulatory changes, such as evolving EPC regulations, underscores the importance of ongoing professional development, a commitment further reinforced by my engagement in RICS CPD activities.
Nevertheless, amidst these challenges lie lots of great opportunities. The commercial property sector is undergoing a transformative shift, placing a heightened emphasis on sustainability. I find great excitement in identifying and seizing opportunities to reposition assets, and creating modern facilities that cater to evolving occupational and investment demands.
While the property sector may present its obstacles, it is also brimming with promise and potential. With a steadfast dedication to learning, networking, and adaptability, I am confident in my ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape and contribute meaningfully to the industry's evolution.