Name: Amaly Hind
Title: New business and mobilisation manager, Rendall & Rittner
What I do: As new business and mobilisation manager, I am responsible for overseeing the acquisition and onboarding of new clients, before handing them over to Rendall & Rittner’s (R&R) property teams for ongoing management. My previous experience in mobilisations, and more recently in understanding new requirements under the Building Safety Act, allows me to deliver a smooth experience for new clients and developments.
Why I got into the property industry: I initially got a job working as personal assistant for the manager of the regional arm of R&R way back when I was just 25 years old. I found the work challenging but in a really rewarding way. Working to manage and run people’s homes is special. It’s deeply personal to our customers and so running a building well felt really important. You’re looking after – probably – their biggest investment. I liked that responsibility.
How I did it: Through R&R’s career development programme I was able to attend numerous seminars that taught me the intricacies and legalities of leasehold ownership. I completed my part one and two exams with The Property Institute (nee IRPM) and was promoted to property manager not long after. I also ask a lot of questions. It’s my way of learning. Even now, with the Building Safety Act, the property management landscape continues to change. It’s important to understand how everything fits together. Asking questions enables me to understand the topography.
My first proper job: Working as an assistant property manager was my first proper job. It felt like my first really grown-up role. All my employment prior to that point was a paycheck, this one was the beginning of my career.
My first big break: I was given my own property portfolio to manage shortly after passing my part one exam. It was very daunting, but I was so excited to have a building of my own to manage. We still have that property in the R&R portfolio 10 years later.
My inspiration(s): My son, Alexander.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Initially board meetings with clients made me so nervous, but I prepared and rehearsed so that I knew my stuff. I still get a little nervous, but I recognise that feeling drives me to achieve. It’s fuel. With the recent developments in the Building Safety Act, it’s been a significant shift in the way buildings are kept safe. Keeping up with these changes has been challenging. Particularly where there is no precedent to rely on. Anticipating what the real implications the act will have for residential living is still unclear.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: My son.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: I think people don’t appreciate the checks and balances in the law that are in place to protect the leaseholder. The twin pillars of property management are the lease and the service charge budget. It’s important to understand that these are paramount to the agent and dictate how we manage a property. It can be challenging for leaseholders to understand that in this capacity they are our customers and our clients. The conflict here can be difficult.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Due to changes in building safety post-Grenfell there are many buildings where façade remediation is required. I think post-Covid, working from home has also become an option for many people. Unfortunately, these two conditions have meant that many leaseholders are deeply worried about the safety of their homes. I think that the worry has affected the way we interact with each other. Ultimately, it’s about making buildings and their occupants safe and in this context, I think we should remember that we are all on the same side.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: I am a woman of colour. I believe in meritocracy, but you must be ‘in it to win it’. It is important to feel seen and valued. Systems that promote inclusion do that.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: The impact of businesses on the environment and society should be important. Everything is connected and it’s critical to protect our resources. Whether it’s people or materials. R&R has committed to developing and promoting sustainable communities. In fact, there have been recent litter picks in and around developments we manage as part of World Earth Day. It’s important that we practice what we preach.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I’d like to be a valuable and established member of our dedicated NB&M team. The customer-facing side of property management occurs when that new business has already been won. Being part of the team working to win that new contract is an exciting challenge for me. Working with clients to understand exactly what they need and how R&R can meet those needs is appealing. I’d also like to have completed my Prince 2 Training.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Agatha Christie. I love a good murder mystery.
What I do in my downtime: I have a two-year-old son so most of my “down time” is spent with him. I’m basically obsessed with every little thing about him!
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: A food critic/writer. I love to travel and I love food. It’s a perfect marriage.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t worry about knowing everything quickly. Doing the job is the best way to learn. In time you’ll realise how much you’ve absorbed.
My motto/mantra: Onward.
