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Thu 11 January 2024
Having recently celebrated 11 years at Andrew Granger & Co, commercial surveyor, Kevin Skipworth tells us what has kept him enjoying the property industry for over 40 years.
What made you chose this industry and area of work?
I took A’ Levels in Maths, Economics and Geography and, although I nearly went for a degree in Maritime Geomorphology (!), I decided on Urban Land Economics at Sheffield as it seemed like a natural progression. At the initial interview, the group attending was given a warning: “When you are asked why you chose this degree, do not reply that it was because you are taking Maths, Economics and Geography at A Level”! That was of course, precisely how I answered, and it clearly didn’t do any harm… My degree then paved the way for me into the world of property.
How does your working day start?
Tea. Builders. One sugar.
My journey to work, based at Andrew Granger & Co’s Leicester office takes 30-35 minutes from my home in Mountsorrel during which I listen to Radio 4 Extra which usually means a retro comedy show such as The Goons, Dad’s Army or Steptoe and Son. I know! (The journey home is a bit livelier and more modern with Radio 6 Music.) After that, it is the obligatory email check and on with the day.
What can a typical day involve for you?
A large amount of my time is spent providing valuations for the Courts for matrimonial disputes, probate matters or for pension schemes. Any work for litigation purposes is the most difficult as it is usually acrimonious and due to mistrust, each party thinks you are going to be favouring the other. You also know that every minute element of the report is going to be investigated with a fine-tooth comb.
My geographical coverage includes most of the East Midlands and involves a very wide range of commercial and residential property so a day can involve a trip to a beautiful Leicestershire village or the most unattractive of urban industrial areas.
My days out are always planned by my secretary, Jenny, and would be so much more chaotic without her!
What do you like most about your job?
The variety. Throughout my career, I have never been restricted to one sector. I enjoy industrial properties more than others. In my earlier days, I worked for a firm that acted for British Steel, British Shipbuilders and Rolls Royce and have always looked forward to visiting buildings where something is being made. It has also given me the opportunity to see at first sight how the sector has changed through modernisation of processes and improvement in the quality of the buildings over the last 40 years. Engineering workshops can be bleak places.
I also enjoy valuing quirky properties, the best example being a folly in Birmingham which was a tower with no specific use rising out of the surrounding area and supposedly an inspiration for JRR Tolkein. I valued it at £1!
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Making sure that you keep up to date with legislation which can impact on the occupation and valuation of both domestic and non-domestic properties. Being part of a multi-facetted organisation is a bonus as there are many of us able to keep a lot of eyes on a lot of balls.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I am very keen on a range of sports which involves watching rather than playing nowadays. Football and cricket are favourites and in particular the Mighty Mariners – Grimsby Town Football Club. I still have a range of cricket and football gear in the loft just in case………!
Walking and a keen interest in the research of cask-conditioned ales can also be combined to create a further favourite use of my time.
Finally, there is a two-year old grandson and a granddaughter on the way that reduce the opportunity of enjoying the above-mentioned interests, but definitely in a good way!
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Both!
Andrew Granger & Co, part of Sheldon Bosley Knight, offers a wide range of property services including commercial property and numerous types of property valuations. If you are looking for help or advice within the Leicestershire area, you can find out more and get in touch here.
