Name: Nick Jones
Job title: Group director – Richborough Commercial
What I do: At Richborough, we use our land, planning and commercial expertise to identify prime sites and secure planning permissions that maximise value for our landowner clients. I head up the commercial division, which focuses on industrial, logistics and employment land – a sector that’s been transformed over the past few years by e-commerce growth and changing occupier needs. My role is about identifying the development potential of land and then guiding it through the complexities of planning policy, infrastructure and market demand to deliver maximum value to the client.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always been fascinated by the built environment, how places evolve and how land use and regeneration decisions shape communities. I also liked the idea of a career where no two weeks are the same and where you’re constantly meeting new people and solving new problems.
How I did it: I started out as an estate agent in Central London and quickly realised this was the profession for me, so I took myself off to university to complete a degree in land management at De Montfort University, setting me on the path to become a chartered surveyor.
My first proper job: After graduating, I was lucky enough to secure a graduate position at Grimley JR Eve, a name many will remember from the early 1990s, which is now known as Avison Young. It was a brilliant learning environment – I was surrounded by sharp people who gave me exposure to everything from valuation to agency to development advice.
My first big break: Running what was, at the time, one of the strongest industrial agency teams in the Midlands for DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield). That period cemented my love for the industrial and logistics sector.
The biggest challenge I have encountered to date: That sinking feeling when you realise a planning committee is stacked with NIMBYs and all the logic in the world – jobs, housing, community benefits – can’t override emotion or local politics. Navigating that dynamic has always been one of the greatest frustrations in our industry. It reminds you how essential good engagement and clear communication are to winning support.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Without question, establishing Richborough Commercial to become the UK’s largest industrial and logistics land promoter, complementing Richborough’s well-established residential arm. Seeing that vision come to life has been hugely rewarding.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it is old fashioned and revolves around drinking and rugby. Yes, the networking and socialising are still there – relationships are crucial – but todays industry is much more diverse, inclusive and multidisciplinary.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The power wielded by planning committees (see above!) I’d love to see a system that’s more consistent and evidence-based, where trained planning professionals have greater weight in decision making.
Where I would like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Continuing to oversee the growth of the commercial division of Richborough for our clients, building specialist teams in all our regional offices.
Who I would invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Leonardo da Vinci, because he thought centuries ahead of his time. David Bowie, because I loved his music. And Sarah Silverman, because every dinner party needs someone to keep things irreverent.
What I do in my downtime: Attempt to play golf, manage Chasetown FC’s under-18 football team (there’s nothing like grassroots football to keep you grounded) and support Newcastle United FC, which provides its own share of highs and lows.
The job I would be doing if I were not doing this: I can see myself as a greenkeeper on a golf course on the Algarve. Sunshine, fresh air and the ability to spend more time trying to get a bit better at the game.
My advice for someone just starting out: Work hard, choose your employment positions wisely and network, network, network.
