On my induction day, Jeremy Helsby the former CEO said that the Savills ethos is very much “work hard, play hard". After after a year in the company I could not think of a better few words to describe my time here.
Ian Holloway
Having successfully applied for a yearlong placement at Savills and arranged a flat share for the year with some university friends I looked forward to my introduction to the Retail Property Market with a mixture of trepidation and excitement, hoping that I wouldn’t make too many schoolboy errors.
During my placement I worked in the London Retail Lease Consultancy team, where I have acted on behalf of both Landlords and Tenants, large institutions and private individuals on reviews, renewals and lease re-gears. I have also had the opportunity to carry out numerous inspections and measurements of retail units whilst also trying to dispose and acquire stores on behalf of tenant clients. My director and colleagues have always encouraged me to develop my APC skills, whilst giving me the opportunity to deal with clients directly and actively take the lead in negotiations against an array of characters from Surveyors to Directors and Partners of companies. An opportunity that I have relished.
Alongside the hard work that is put in, Savills arrange many social events, within Retail and then throughout the company. The retail away day was a highlight for me watching 50 surveyors run around Bristol like headless chickens trying to find clues and “mysterious characters” in order to claim victory of the treasure hunt. Watching Directors pursue a person dressed as a criminal was a sight I will never forget. Furthermore Savills pay your membership to the R&R club a social society for professional retail surveyors; where events this year included pub quizzes, BBQs and watching England in the quarter-final against Columbia at Pergola. This provides the opportunity to interact and mix with fellow professionals in the industry.
Whilst Savills arrange a number of events you are also encouraged to forge your own path and I have managed to organise a wine tasting event for “young professionals” in the Retail and Leisure industry and also a day trip to the London Rugby 7s. I have also had the chance to play for the Savills Hockey team against rival firms at Battersea Park in a Property Hockey League.
On my induction day, Jeremy Helsby the former CEO said that the Savills ethos is very much “work hard, play hard”, and after a year in the company I could not think of a better few words to describe my time here.