The most coveted awards in real estate have been revealed. Hosted by our very own editor Samantha McClary and Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman, the new-look event celebrated those making the biggest difference in the industry.
Future of Real Estate – Business
Partnered by Aldermore Bank
Berkeley Group
2018 was a breakthrough year for the Berkeley Group and its pioneering approach to Biodiversity Net Gain, which ensures every new site developed achieves a measurable increase in natural life. Berkeley has submitted 20 planning applications with a binding commitment to BNG – more than any other developer. In March, the government made BNG a national policy requirement – with Defra crediting Berkeley as a pioneer.
The firm became the UK’s first “carbon positive” homebuilder by reducing carbon emissions from business operations by 22% (compared to 2016) and offsetting 110% of remaining emissions through the support of verified projects.
Berkeley is also embracing modular housing and is constructing an advanced precision manufacturing facility in Northfleet, which includes a digitally-enabled robotic assembly process that will manufacture homes that it says will outperform traditional-build housing in thermal performance, environmental impacts, build time and quality standards. Once at full capacity the factory could deliver up to 1,000 homes a year.
Alongside innovations in physical housebuilding, Berkeley is looking to the future skills need with the launch of one of the country’s first purpose-built construction academies. The joint venture with West London College comprises a new 20,000 sq ft vocational training centre at Southall Waterside offering new apprenticeship curriculums designed for industry.
Our judges said: “Berkeley’s desire to go beyond the conventional and to create a world where people can thrive was powerful and a clear indication that it belonged in the future of real estate.”
Future of Real Estate – Individual
Partnered by HB Reavis
Étienne Cadestin, Longevity Partners
Longevity Partners’ founder, Étienne Cadestin has lobbied the property industry tirelessly to raise awareness of climate change and the built environment’s role in mitigating it. He has established himself as a leader in the green real estate sector.
In setting up Longevity in 2015, Cadestin has created a business that offers a wide range of green services that have helped develop responsible businesses, healthy buildings, and resilient cities, encouraging its clients to behave more sustainably to promote greener jobs and a greener economy.
Thanks to his vision, the business became the first organisation to certify 331 assets, across seven countries, as part of the first portfolio-wide BREEAM In-Use pilot assessment scheme for Redevco.
The business currently has assets under certification valued at £40bn in 25 countries for 49 clients. It has doubled its turnover for the fourth consecutive year and expects to do the same this year.
This year, Longevity signed a five-year project to conduct BREEAM-In-Use certifications for 100% of Klépierre’s shopping centres. It is the largest BREEAM certification project carried out by Longevity Partners and the BRE representing £20bn of retail property.
By providing businesses like Klépierre with unique expertise in managing large-scale projects in a multicultural setting, Cadestin is seeking to encourage the European real estate community to follow the movement and catalyse a transition towards a more responsible property industry.
Our judges said: “Étienne is doing a phenomenal job trying to make the real estate industry aware of what it needs to do and when for the environment. What he has achieved is amazing and so important right now.”
Alternative Sector Award
Partnered by U+I
Student Cribs
Student Cribs is one of the largest single providers of second and third-year accommodation in the UK.
The Student Cribs portfolio has grown by a whopping 629% since 2014 to reach 643 properties in 23 cities. In November 2017, it bought the largest UK student HMO portfolio for £31.4m. Comprising 568 beds, it was the company’s single largest acquisition since securing £200m of funding from institutional backers. The £200m deal was the largest fund raised of its kind, paving the way for the company’s expansion in this sector.
In November last year Student Cribs completed a £52.3m HMO deal, beating its own record and is on track to reach our target of 3,500 bedrooms in 25 cities by 2020.
Our judges said: “A unique offer with strong financials and impressive growth.” Our judges loved the business model and the ambition of this company.
Collaborators Award
Partnered by Avison Young, DWF, VU.CITY
Newcastle Helix – Newcastle City Council, Legal & General and Newcastle University
The closure of the Scottish & Newcastle Tyne Brewery in 2005 was a major blow to Newcastle, a city already feeling under-invested compared with some of its southern counterparts. But out of the ashes is rising a world-class science and business area.
The 24-acre brewery was snapped up by Newcastle Council, regional development agency One North East, and Newcastle University, with the ambition of creating an innovation zone to propel Newcastle to a successful future. The regeneration of the area promised a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine space for businesses alongside new homes.
Almost 14 years later and the development – since rebranded Newcastle Helix – has weathered challenging times, including a recession, the closure of One North East, and the search for a funding partner. Legal & General was brought on board in 2016, making an initial £65m investment in the project.
The site is now is home to the National Innovation Centre for Data and Ageing and the National Centre for Energy Systems Integrations. The residential zone includes 62 ‘future homes’, showcasing residential technology for the future, while the Urban Sciences Building provides high resolution building services monitoring.
There are now more than 40 small and medium businesses on site.
Our judges said: “A great initiative, fantastic, taking the lead in bridging the gap, compelling.” Our judges said this oozed collaboration and was creating real value in the true definition of the word.
Employer Award
Partnered by Hays
The Crown Estate
Not content with being the landlord to one of London’s most exciting retail streets, the Crown Estate is the jewel in the crown when it comes to employee engagement. A whopping 97% of employees are proud to work at the Crown Estate with 89% saying it is a brilliant place to work. The firm has a low level of staff turnover – just 6% compared with a national average of 19%.
Over the past year the business has been investing in its people to become more customer-centric, encouraging learning, diversity of skills and background, and focusing on wellbeing.
Its St James’s HQ became the first workplace in Europe to be WELL Platinum accredited and one of only 11 projects worldwide to be awarded the accreditation.
Helped by is chief executive being a woman – until Dan Labbad takes over in the new year – the firm is one of few in the industry that has a gender pay gap in favour of women.
Our judges said: “A clear winner. A string of evidence shows that this employer thinks about its staff and that its staff think it is a brilliant place to work.”
Industrial Adviser of the Year
Partnered by Palmer Capital, Fiera Real Estate
Savills
Savills’ industrial and logistics agency team led the market last year, with turnover up by 75%. It advised on some 18m sq ft of space over 320 deals. Key highlights for the division over the year included being joint agent at East Midlands Gateway, acting on some 2.5m sq ft of prelet activity and becoming Lidl’s preferred adviser following its off-market purchase of 60 acres for the budget supermarket chain in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.
Our judges said: “Savills has demonstrated impressive growth with a strong coverage of the UK and has found a balance between occupier and investor activity.”
Industrial Company of the Year
Partnered by Hollis
SEGRO
SEGRO has become the darling of the listed sector, overtaking Landsec to become the largest listed REIT on the London Stock Exchange. The industrial specialist has reported NAV growth of more than 16%, a 10% hike in turnover and total returns of more than 15% – obliterating that of FTSE 350 Real Estate Index, which totalled just 0.7%.
The business has also been innovating across its portfolio, launching the 700-acre SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway, next to the M1 and East Midlands Airport, which, combined with a 50-acre rail freight interchange has become the UK’s ultimate `inland port’. Some 2.7m sq ft of deals were secured at the site, including to Amazon, Kuehne + Nagel, XPO and Shop Direct.
In London, SEGRO is pushing forward with the “sheds and beds” model, securing consent for 230,000 sq ft light industrial space and 1,300 new homes alongside Barratt London in Hayes, Middlesex, while in Paris it has showed how multi-storey logistics development can satisfy soaring demand in big city locations, with a 538,000 sq ft prelet to IKEA at its Air2 development.
Our judges said: “It has been a very strong year for this company financially, but SEGRO’s focus on sustainability and on fully embracing the evolution of the industrial and logistics market is impressive too.”
Creative Spaces Award
Partnered by Legal & General Investment Management – Real Assets
Architecture Initiative for Northampton International Academy
Through the creative adaptation of an abandoned Royal Mail sorting office, Northampton International Academy has brought life back into the site and local community. For 11 years the derelict building stood empty, attracting anti-social behaviour that blighted and isolated the local community.
With a floor area of around 225,000 sq ft and generous floor-to-floor heights, the academy, one of the largest free school projects to date, accommodates over 2,220 pupils alongside other community and leisure offerings, external play and social space and a generous public plaza.
The academy demonstrates how even the most challenging buildings can sustainably regenerate areas and increase local prosperity. A building that was once a liability to the local area, an icon of neglect and abandonment, has become iconic for genuinely positive and aspirational reasons. The finished academy is a real achievement for everyone involved.
Our judges said: “If we are going to undertake change in the UK, we can’t just demolish everything. We have to re-use buildings, which is exactly what Architecture Initiative has done here. It is an old building, vacant for 11 years, which they have brought back to life and created a strong community tie.”
Residential Innovator of the Year
Partnered by Octopus Real Estate
Placefirst
Placefirst is a North West-based SME operating in the PRS, empty homes and urban regeneration sectors.
The purpose-led business was set up to address the chronic lack of quality in PRS for the growing number of low-to-middle income families who rely on the sector for their housing needs.
While the residential sector has continued to focus on city centre BTR schemes with tight development yields, Placefirst has been working to turn perceptions of BTR on its head by demonstrating the success of its family-oriented offer, now housing thousands of people across purpose-built BTR communities in the North of England.
The business has delivered some 600 homes at a price point affordable to lower income households.
Much of Placefirst’s portfolio has been created through refurbishment and remodelling of empty homes, bringing more than 1,000 long-term empty homes back to life.
Our judges said: “Phenomenal, brave, different and focusing on a sector of the market that is underserviced. Placefirst is not just an innovator but the future of residential.”
Retail Innovator of the Year
Partnered by Nuveen Real Estate
Mallcomm by Toolbox Group
Mallcomm by Toolbox Group was one of the first technologies in real estate for tenant engagement and operations management.
The app aids the communication between shopping centre management staff and retailers. Retail staff from stores within centres that subscribe to Mallcomm can access all the latest news and events at their centre, as well as amazing special offers and discounts from other stores in centre.
The 360-degree technology brings occupier and consumer experience into one platform supporting the emerging needs of property owners, managers, retailers, stakeholders and users.
Over the course of the year, Mallcomm has won significant contracts, including the 5.6m sq ft Mall of America in Minnesota where it has been instrumental in engaging more than 95% of the Mall’s retail staff, transforming communication in critical situations, helping to drive sales and support staff.
The Mallcomm product provides a comprehensive CMS to manage all audiences at multi-levels, geo-location services, a panic button, food ordering and other services booking and in-app payment.
Our judges said: “Mallcomm was a proptech trailblazer. A standout entry with almost perfect engagement.” They were also impressed by its projected growth of 220% for the coming year.
Legal Team of the Year
Partnered by New London Architecture
Birketts
An East of England-based law firm behaving like a London-based international business. Birketts recorded a 16% hike in turnover and 28% uplift in profit in 2018. A firm that is consistently ranked top in the UK legal directories with a highly regarded property expanding to 200 specialists.
Over the past year, the business has recruited 15 new real estate lawyers as the business continues to grow and win new clients.
Birketts is working as part of Land Registry pilot group to develop new tools and systems to simplify and speed up the processing of complex registration transactions and develop new products to meet the needs of clients and users of the Registry’s services.
Our judges said: “A compelling business with impressive figures around fee growth and investment in innovation.”
Lender of the Year
Partnered by Prideview
Octopus Real Estate
Octopus Real Estate says it doesn’t do mediocre.
The firm is one of the UK’s most active non-bank property lenders. Since its launch nine years ago, Octopus has lent close to £4bn.
Significant deals over the past year include a £29.5m refinancing facility for a 3.7-acre site near Clapham Common, SW4, with planning for 297 homes, 46,000 sq ft of offices and 12,000 sq ft of industrial; a £36m loan for a 502-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Coventry, Warwickshire and a £31.5m refinance of a mixed-use development in south west London.
Our judges said: “Octopus is thinking about speed and flexibility and demonstrated a broad spread of loans.”
Offices Adviser of the Year
Partnered by VU.CITY
JLL
JLL has had an outstanding year of office deals. Despite a turbulent backdrop, its agency team delivered 4.5m sq ft in transactions in 2018, while its investment team cited volumes of almost £12bn.
And its success was notable throughout the regions. JLL was involved in 48% of significant pre-leasing deals across the Big Six – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol – including letting 470,000 sq ft to Barclays at Buchanan Wharf in Glasgow and 157,000 sq ft to the Government Property Agency at 3 New Bailey in Manchester.
In London, the firm worked on 32% of pre-leasing deals, representing some 1m sq ft, while its investment team completed just over £4.6bn of investment transactions, including the acquisition of Plumtree Court on behalf of LaSalle and Korea’s National Pension Service for more than £1bn – one of the biggest office deals of the year.
The agent continues to pioneer, launching NXT – an immersive technology enabling occupiers to search for office space 85% faster than traditional processes – and NXT Space, for real time space planning.
Our judges said: “JLL’s initiatives, especially its NXT services, were particularly impressive. JLL is standout in terms of impressive sale and innovation and is acting in all the principal regions.”
Offices Company of the Year
Partnered by DWF
Derwent London
Derwent London, now run by longstanding property director Paul Williams, owns a 5.4m sq ft portfolio of predominantly central London offices and continues to be at the forefront of office design and development of place.
It is a leader in sustainable design-led office development, creating and redefining buildings to suit occupier needs. Its team has demonstrated that good design, well-judged investment decisions, strong operational performance supported by robust financing can deliver attractive space and achieve attractive sustained returns.
2018 was a standout year for the REIT with almost 430,000 sq ft of lettings across its portfolio at a combined rent of £26.8m – some 4.1% above December 2017 ERV. By March of this year it had more than 1m sq ft of new projects under construction, with 64% prelet, including 80 Charlotte Street, W1, Soho Place, W1, and The Featherstone Building, EC1.
Our judges said: “Really good developer who often turns tired spaces into places people want to work. Ambitious, very professional and very clever. Standout.”
London Deal of the Year
Partnered by D2 Private
Network Rail’s £1.5bn sale of its arches portfolio – Network Rail, Telereal Trillium, Blackstone Property Partners, Rothschild & Co
Sometimes an asset comes to market the likes of which buyers have never before had a chance to consider. Stretching to some 5,200 properties under railway arches across the capital and other UK cities, the portfolio put up for sale by Network Rail certainly qualified as that.
Little surprise then, that the Rothschild-run disposal attracted unprecedented attention in the market, with more than 140 NDAs signed with global firms and 35 submissions during first-round bids.
Telereal Trillium and Blackstone Property Partners’ eventual acquisition, at £1.46bn, is one of the most high-profile deals our judges considered. But it earned its share of controversy, not least because of complaints from parties including Guardian of the Arches, set up to represent businesses working in the properties who feared rising rents under ownership.
The deal, other advisers on which included Eversheds Sutherland and Clifford Chance, also provided Network Rail with funds to channel into its railway upgrade plan.
Our judges said: “One of the biggest deals of the year and definitely one of the most complicated, with scores of vested interests.” Our judges could not help but be impressed by the winner of this category.
Regional Deal of the Year
Partnered by Addleshaw Goddard
Tritax Big Box REIT buys db Symmetry
The logistics-focused investor’s takeover of db Symmetry and its 2,500-acre-plus was a pivotal point in the development of its business and one of its most noteworthy ventures since it announced plans to list back in 2013.
The deal saw Tritax take an 87% stake in db, since rebranded as Tritax Symmetry, for £320m. The db management team have retained a shareholding in the business.
The deal has lessened Tritax’s reliance on direct asset acquisitions to expand its portfolio, giving it greater scope to develop as well as purchase properties. Its goal now is to secure planning and occupiers for sites before developing them on a prelet, forward-funded basis.
As Colin Godfrey, a partner at Tritax, manager behind the REIT, told EG earlier this year: “If we’d gone out and bought this land portfolio, fully consented with planning, it would have cost us significantly more [than £320m].”
Our judges said: The word “fantastic” was used more than once to describe both this company and the deal it undertook. Judges added that the transaction was already having a major impact regionally.
EG Tech Award
Partnered by Cluttons
Gyana
Gyana, which means knowledge in Sanskrit is a big data start-up that provides insights into locations by using human mobility data. It is a software as a service tool that enables consultants, decision makers, asset managers and analysts to ask: “What kind of people visit this area?” “Where else do my customers shop?” “How is this town centre changing over the last year?” and get an answer in seconds.
The business, founded by Joyeeta Das in 2015, currently has data on millions of locations, brands and assets across seven countries leveraging partnerships with more than 80 global providers.
Even the tagline for this company “AI for everyone” is an instant draw. In a world where data is an increasingly valuable commodity, a company that “creates technology that is easy to use and empowers everyone to be a data scientist in moments” is going to attract attention.
Our judges said: “Gyana delivers on its claims. What the team here has done in a short space of time is really impressive,” they said. “Translating big data into 3D images that can be more easily analysed and applied to various different areas of real estate and the wider world is something many industries are crying out for. And the use of alternative data sets adds another layer.” Judges added that Gyana was “one to watch” and “an exciting example of things to come”.
National Adviser of the Year
Partnered by Radius Data Exchange
Knight Frank
2018 was a standout year for Knight Frank, not just financially but from a transformative perspective too.
The partnership had a record year with a turnover of £148.4m – up by 6% on 2017 – with profits up by 4% to £47m. Average fees per fee earner rose by 1% to £327,000 and the firm took an 11% market share.
Its capital markets division was involved in £5.4bn of deals, the number of deals undertaken by Knight Frank’s Flexible Office Solutions team increased by 54%, while the total number of desks signed by Knight Frank increased by 313% to 1,562 desks. Its valuations and advisory team grew revenue by 22%, winning valuation mandates from 15 leading property funds.
The firm also launched the KF X initiative: the formation of eight boards comprising 100 people with 50:50 gender split with an average age of 35; a tech board and (Y)our Space, an occupier research capability.
Our judges said: “Knight Frank demonstrated growth across all areas of the business and showed how it was preparing for the next generation.” Judges were particularly impressed with the KF X initiative and establishment of a tech board.
National Company of the Year
Partnered by Savills
Berkeley Group
Berkeley Group is one of the UK’s most forward-thinking homebuilders with the financial strength to focus on – and the expertise to transform – the most challenging and complex sites into exceptional places where communities thrive.
In 2017/18, Berkeley delivered 3,536 homes, which includes close to 10% of London’s new private and affordable homes.
Its holistic approach to placemaking goes beyond the conventional role of a developer, building high-quality homes, neighbourhoods and successful places where communities thrive.
Berkeley’s annual ‘recommend to a friend’ score has remained above 95% since 2012, representing the best and most consistent performance in the housing sector. However, the housebuilder says the metric no longer provides a sufficient challenger so has moved to a net promoter score to measure customer satisfaction. Its NPS stands at 73.2 (out of 100) – which compares well with customer-centric brands like John Lewis (63), Amazon (61) and First Direct (73). The average NPS within the housing sector is 29, according to the House Builder’s Federation.
Our judges said: :”While Berkeley Group clearly has impressive growth figures and financials, it is not the cold hard numbers that make it the national company of the year.” Our judges were most impressed by high levels of staff and end-user engagement and its commitment to sustainability and community.
We are delighted to be partners of the all-new EG Awards, with an evolved range of categories, recognising not only those who have made a real difference to the industry this year, but also those who are helping to shape the future of real estate
– James Sparrow, UK & EMEA chief executive | Savills
Social Impact Award
Partnered by EVORA Global
Capital & Centric
Manchester-based Capital & Centric describes itself as a social impact developer that takes unloved buildings and makes amazing places. “We believe in creating sustainable change, not just in the communities we create, but in the way we give back as a business,” says the company.
Alongside its development of place, Capital & Centric has developed and grown the Regeneration Brainery, a programme that seeks to create an academy for young minds that forges links between them and a diverse group of industry mentors. It is a move to create effective work experience for the next generation of potential real estate leaders. To date, the business has run five “Braineries” in Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and London, reaching more than 100 students.
Capital & Centric is also finding solutions to Manchester’s homelessness problem and has transformed a double-decker tour bus into temporary accommodation for charity Embassy Bus, raising money to fund the running costs of the project.
Our judges said: “Capital & Centric has truly taken on board the role that real estate can play in and on society: that the creation of places and spaces to live, work and play is just part of what property does. It is a company that has shown that you don’t have to be huge to be mighty and make a big impact on society.”
The REWIRE Award
Partnered by Real Estate Balance
Ellandi
Ellandi is a privately owned, values driven business that has delivered change to more than 35 communities in the UK over the last decade. The diversity of these projects, stretching from Aberdeen to St Austell, is only matched by the diversity of the team at Ellandi.
A team of 26 professionals who are passionate about property and appreciate the responsibility we have for shaping the places in which people work, rest and play has been assembled solely on the criteria of being the best person for the job and alignment with the values of community, empowerment, integrity and expertise; known as ‘the Ellandi way’.
Half of Ellandi’s senior management team is female, its oldest employee has most recently celebrated their 70th birthday this month and its youngest is just 22. More than a third of the team are from BAME backgrounds.
Ellandi says having a workforce more aligned to its varied customer base gives it a real commercial advantage. “We are from the communities in which we invest, we understand them better and are more responsive to their diverse needs and aspirations,” it says.
Our judges said: “There is a way to pay more than just lip service to diversity and inclusion and Ellandi is leading the way. Not just talking the talk, but walking it too.”
Global Investor of the Year
Partnered by Knight Frank
Oxford Properties Group
Oxford’s investment strategy is simple to articulate, but difficult to execute – it buys, builds and manages the world’s best assets in the world’s best cities. All while generating 20-, 10- and five-year returns of greater than 10%.
Founded in 1960 to develop a single medical building in Edmonton, Canada, Oxford has grown to become a truly global real estate firm with more than C$59bn (£34bn) in assets under management. Today, Oxford portfolio encompasses office, retail, industrial, hotels and multifamily-residential and spans more than 105m sq ft in global gateway cities across four continents. Its long-term approach to real estate investment aligns Oxford’s interests to its customers and the communities in which it operates.
In 2016 Oxford set itself the goal of becoming a C$60bn company by the end of 2020, but has fulfilled that ambition 18 months ahead of schedule. In 2018 alone, Oxford has expanded into APAC via its maiden public-market transaction through the take private of Investa Office Fund, a A$4.5bn ASX-listed office REIT, entered into the UK build-to-rent market and made its first move into US logistics through its 50% interest in the $3.4bn IDI Logistics portfolio.
Our judges said: “Growth, diversification and a truly global footprint. Oxford is clearly impressive and the strongest contender.”
Global Adviser of the Year
Partnered by Linklaters
Knight Frank
Over the course of 2018, Knight Frank’s global footprint and reach grew with a range of high-profile deals and business acquisitions.
Notable deals throughout the year included a 1m sq ft lease to Facebook at Moffett Towers 2 in California, a 700,000 sq ft prelet to JP Morgan Chase in Manilla, selling 55,000 sq kms of agricultural land in Australia, and providing occupational advisory services to Safaricom in Nairobi on the relocation of its 350,000 sq ft HQ campus.
Knight Frank further expanded its global reach with a partnership with Bayleys Realty Group, New Zealand’s largest agency, opened its first office in Hungary and continued its expansion in China with a new office in Shenzhen and the establishment of a China desk in London, led by Austin Xu, president of Britain China Real Estate Association.
Knight Frank said its Asia Pacific operations delivered record turnover and profit in 2018, with its businesses in Singapore and Hong Kong achieving their best years yet.
In Europe, Germany, the Czech Republic and Belgium also achieved record years, with an improvement in its French performance.
Our judges said: “Knight Frank has demonstrated a standout commercial performance and clients clearly use them for their ability to deliver internationally. Strong geographic coverage with deals undertaken on almost every continent.”
Rising Star Award
Partnered by TFT
Harri John and Rosanna Lawn, CREation
Founded by Harri John and Rosanna Lawn, CREation is the go-to network for those at the start of their property career. Focused on diversity and inclusion at grass roots, and inspiring individuals to challenge themselves to be the best they can in their professional career the network came about when John and Lawn “scoured the internet for fun, interactive networking events” as fresh-faced graduates and were underwhelmed by the options on offer. So, they set out to do away with hurdles such as expensive memberships and events aimed at management and CREation was formed.
Our judges said: “The pair are doing something completely different with CREation. What Harri and Rosanna are doing is fresh, current and relevant to their audience,” they said. “What they offer is already regional, they have kept it free and they have kept it accessible. To grow a network so quickly is an outstanding achievement.”
Outstanding Contribution to Property
Partnered by Together
David Partridge, Argent
Over the course of his career, Argent managing director David Partridge has been involved in the radical transformation of place across several cities, most notably London, Manchester and Birmingham. He has been instrumental in turning the seedy, dirty and downright disgusting into beautiful, functional, sustainable places. Places where people want to be. Where people aspire to live, work and play.
With some three decades in the industry, Partridge has seen all sides of the sector from a range of different roles within it.
He joined Argent in 1990 and was appointed joint chief executive in September 2006 and managing partner of the new Argent LLP in 2012.
He is best known for overseeing the masterplanning of King’s Cross, creating a place where Facebook, Google and a plethora of other “must have” occupiers have set up home.
The King’s Cross regeneration project won outline planning permission in 2006 for 50 new buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new major public spaces, the restoration and refurbishment of 20 historic buildings and structures and up to 2,000 homes.
The project has transformed the area from somewhere people avoided to a beacon for Londoners and tourists alike, with offices, shops, public realm and homes bringing life back to this former industrialised part of London.
But Partridge’s contribution extends to more than just the physical development of space. He has played a key role in championing sustainability, collaboration and purpose, helping deliver a more palatable view of the real estate sector to the general public.
He is someone who understands pride in place, social impact, collaboration, the importance of partnerships with local authorities, and who has a feel for placemaking and understands politics – with a both a big and a little p.
And, although Partridge plans to step down as managing director once a suitable chief executive is found to run the Argent-Related development venture formed in 2015, his contribution to the sector will not stop.
In 2020, Partridge takes up the mantle of president of the British Property Federation and plans to use the relationships he has built through 30 years in the business to have an influence on the sector.
Pictures: Ed Telling
The judges
- Leona Ahmed, co-head of real estate sector, Addleshaw Goddard
- Sherin Aminossehe, director of infrastructure, Defence Estates
- Tripty Arya, founder and chief executive, Travtus
- Yolande Barnes, chair, The Bartlett Real Estate Institute, UCL
- Joe Borrett, director of real estate and construction (EMEA and India), Google
- Louise Brooke-Smith, partner, UK head of development and strategic planning, Arcadis
- Andy Bruce, partner, global head of real estate, Linklaters
- John Burbage, executive chairman, Burbage Realty
- Faisal Butt, entrepreneur and investor, Spire Ventures
- John Carter, commercial director, Aldermore
- Jenny Casebourne, head of retail and restaurant property, The Howard de Walden Estate
- Linda Chandler, chief technology officer, LIQUID Real Estate Innovation
- Jeremy Collins, property director, Fenwick
- Eoin Condren, director, joint venture, U+I
- Matt Crompton, joint managing director, Muse Developments
- Carla Cummings, legal director – construction and infrastructure (Australian qualified), Battersea Power Station Development Company
- Savannah de Savary, founder and chief executive, Built-ID
- Alistair Elliott, chairman, Knight Frank
- Jakes Ferguson, commercial property adviser, Whitehall and central London, Government Property Agency
- Mary Finnigan, head of transactions EMEA, WeWork
- Susan Freeman, partner, Mishcon de Reya
- Teresa Gilchrist, director, head of investor relations and new business, M7
- Pete Gladwell, head of public sector partnerships, LGIM
- Adam Goldin, head of UK office, CC Land
- Charlie Green, co-founder, The Office Group
- Michela Hancock, development director, Greystar
- Jessica Hardman, managing director, head of real estate group UK and Ireland, DWS
- Jamie Holmes, chief executive, VU.CITY
- Alexander Jan, chief economist, Arup
- Gerald Kaye, chief executive, Helical
- Anouk Khan, chief operating officer, Real Estate Women
- Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property Federation
- Rebecca Lovelace, founder, Building People
- David Mann, partner, TFT
- Madeleine McDougall, head of commercial real estate, Lloyds
- Joy Nazzari, dn&co.
- Michael Neal, global head of investment, Nuveen Real Estate
- Alex Notay, build-to-rent fund director, PfP Capital
- Alex Price, chief executive, Palmer Capital
- Mark Robinson, founder, Ellandi
- James Sellar, chief executive, Sellar Property
- Lynda Shillaw, Town Centre Securities
- Jason Sibthorpe, principal and president, UK, Avison Young
- James Sparrow, chief executive UK and EMEA, Savills
- Emma Stapleton, co-founder and chief operating officer, The Tender Space
- Cassandra Wheeldon, director of partnerships, UK and Ireland, WiredScore
- Melanie Williams, partner, head of real estate sector, DWF
- John Woodman, senior partner, Malcolm Hollis
