More specifically in property, I think we are on the cusp of great change – the rapidly changing retail environment, changes to the ‘traditional’ office, the environmental impact of the built environment, housing demand, an ageing population leading to requirements for later living and the urgent need to treat occupiers of our buildings as customers rather than tenants are just a few things.  Look out for these and embrace them. These will present outstanding opportunities to develop and succeed.

Having chaired this family business for the past 9 years, what are your reflections on the characteristics and strengths of family business – perhaps especially as we encounter some challenging times ahead? 

A valuable trait often found within a family business is the existence of a powerful and strong set of values which are embedded into the culture of the business. In Howard Group’s case these include honesty, integrity and commitment alongside strong Christian values and humility, which has translated into a business that always seeks to be supportive, act with energy in the market and look ahead for opportunities and change. Unity Campus, Howard Group’s exciting new urban innovation district in the heart of the countryside 8 miles south of Cambridge, is a very good example of this in action.

Patience and the ability to look ahead – taking a longer-term view are also the keys to success. Family businesses think across the generations and plan accordingly, an outlook which is rarely available to many larger investors, particularly in the property markets, who require much shorter-term returns.

For Howard Group, this ability to be patient and long-term chimes well with the Cambridge and Oxford colleges, and this could offer the potential for great collaborations in the future – an example of just one opportunity which is rarely available.

Despite the challenging period we are entering, do you see any areas of opportunities the Group may be able to focus on to support its people, places and profit strategy?

Valuers are signalling a potential for the market to fall in value by 15% in Q4. We can do nothing about that, so during this period of volatility, focus on income will be critical.

Being alert to stress from investors in the market – needing to sell assets or seek partners, that could prove very attractive.

After a long and successful career in the property sector, what are you looking forward to most about retirement and what have you got planned?

Whilst I am retiring from Howard Group, I am not fully retiring from the property industry just yet – I probably never will since it is so embedded in me!

Aside from the work that will continue for now, I am travelling pretty extensively and will probably continue this while my wife, Sheila, and I are still fit.

I am also excited about a wilding project I am working on, on land I have bought outside Saffron Walden – I am learning a huge amount about farmland conservation, bio-diversity, habitat recovery for birds, insects and animals. I have a team called The Young Wilders working on this for me and we will commence improvement work on the land over the next twelve months, which will then run for the long term. 

Otherwise, I hope to spend a more time at our house on the Norfolk coast, including more sailing around the coast, occasionally bothering Nicholas for a coffee or beer to catch on the Howard news!