Stephen joins us from Lambert Smith Hampton where he spent 5 years specialising in commercial property valuations advice.
He is expert in everything from property valuations consultancy, business rates relief and disputes resolution, to property asset valuation and commercial planning advice.
He is also experienced in commercial property development appraisals, and has been drawn upon to act as an Expert Witness.
Stephen is a partner with ambitions, so we spoke to him to find out more about what makes him tick, and why he wanted to join our team in the East Midlands.
Where are you joining Vail Williams from?
Lambert Smith Hampton (Formerly Edward Symmons)
How long were you there and what do you specialise in?
I was there for 5 years, specialising in commercial property valuations.
What attracted you to your new post at Vail Williams?
I was attracted by the prospect of being able to move back to a partner-led firm with a set of core values that matched my own, and also the opportunity to take responsibility for growing a team, as well as the property valuation consultancy service in Birmingham.
What are your ambitions in the role?
I would like to grow the business’ commercial property valuation work in Birmingham by expanding the client base to ensure that more work is sourced locally, whilst also helping to grow the wider Birmingham office.
What’s the best thing about working in property, and why?
For me, it would be the amount of variation that it provides; no two days are the same, and this helps to keep things interesting.
What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was a summer holiday spent working in a factory which made refractory bricks. The bricks had to be packed individually into cardboard boxes. It was dull but the money was good!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
‘Always buy your round’ and ‘borrowers always lie’.
If you had to recommend a good book, what would it be, and why?
Seven Deadly Sins, My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David Walsh. A great example of not giving up.
What’s your favourite band?
I like a lot of music, so there would be far too many for me to pick from I’m afraid.
If you could work in any other profession, what would it be and why?
The Law. It is an incredibly interesting field, and solicitors are better paid than surveyors!
