News

Nick Hitch is fascinated by the Napoleonic era, and by joining Vail Williams represents our own little coup

January 5, 2017

Our latest recruit, Partner Nick Hitch, is fascinated by all things relating to the Napoleonic era – something which we discovered in a recent chat with him about why he has chosen to join us, here at Vail Williams.

Following nearly ten years working for Stiles Harold Williams LLP in Sussex, Nick is beginning the next chapter of his career with our Lease Advisory team, where he will take up the role of Partner.

He brings with him extensive experience of commercial rent reviews, commercial lease renewals, lease regearing and strategic occupational advice.

We spoke to him to find out a bit more about him, and what drove him to join our team in Guildford.

What is your property area of expertise?
In my previous role, I specialised in rent reviews, lease renewals/regears and provided clients with strategic occupational advice, including disposals and acquisitions through relocation and expansion.

As Partner and Head of Lease Advisory there, I was also responsible for overseeing a team of 10 surveyors dealing with landlord and tenant work.

What attracted you to your new post at Vail Williams?
I was impressed by Vail Williams’ corporate image, work ethos and reputation in the market place.

What are your ambitions in the role?
I would like to help Vail Williams to achieve its aims and objectives, whilst sharing my knowledge and experience gained over the last 30+ years. I also want to assist and mentor the graduates to help them obtain their RICS qualifications.

What’s the best thing about working in property, and why?
Meeting new people and helping them to overcome property issues and achieve their goals.

What was your first ever job?
Working in a Pet Shop – the one where the Toucan in the Guinness advert lived.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself.

If you had to recommend a good book, what would it be, and why?
I like the Napoleonic era, so it would have to be Jack Aubrey & Stephen Maturin Series (Master and Commander ) by Patrick O’Brian – all 20 books which makes one big read.

Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
I was Head Chorister in the Chapel Choir at School and sung a solo in Westminster Abbey. I was also lucky enough to sing at Windsor Castle, St Pauls, Tower of London, Lincoln Guildford Chichester Winchester Cathedrals, to name but a few. I hasten to add that unfortunately I can’t sing in tune now!

Have you ever had a hair-raising moment, if so, what was it?
As a family we went trekking in Nepal. The 9 hr bus ride from Kathmandu to the start of the trail still brings me out in a cold sweat. For most of the journey we were on a single mountain track which disappeared at one stage due to a mud slide.

As a result we had to climb out of the bus and precariously make our way along its side to the front, overlooking a sheer drop.

A digger then had to pull the bus over the stretch of track that had disappeared. Needless to say, we took a different route back to Kathmandu having completed the trail. Several other exciting adventures but that will have to wait for another time!

What’s your favourite band?
It has to be The Beatles.

If you could work in any other profession, what would it be and why?
Law interests me so I suppose it would have to be something connected with the legal profession.