Name Katherine McCullough
Job Title Managing director at Merchant Land
What I do: I lead Merchant Land, an ambitious SME developer specialising in commercial and residential property with a focus on Greater London. It’s a varied role involving everything from project meetings and site visits, through to collaboration on marketing and brand activity, communicating with stakeholders and attending industry events.
How I did it: I started out in banking and property finance, before moving into development and investment. I joined Merchant Land in 2013, initiating a restructure and the evolution of what was then a 20-year-old brand.
Why I got into the property industry: My role in property finance meant I had worked closely with developers and investors for several years, so my eventual move into development felt like a natural evolution. I had never sat down and mapped out my career; I did a history degree at university and afterwards I was keen to get out there and get on with life.
My first big break: I wouldn’t say I had a big break as such; I’ve always made my own opportunities. I started getting noticed while working in banking; I was still very young but bringing in big clients. Because of my age and relative inexperience, someone had to accompany me but it got me a seat at the table at an early stage in my career.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Going into business was daunting, knowing where you want to be but not quite knowing how to get there. During the last 25 years I’ve had to rely on myself a lot. Life in my 20’s definitely felt much scarier than it is now; but I suppose everyone is in the same position at the start of their careers.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: I have now run Merchant Land for more than 11 years, which I’m really proud of. Merchant Land has completed a real evolution during the last decade, from its strategy through to its brand.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: People often assume it’s glamorous – or that as a developer you can get rich quick!
My biggest bugbear about the industry/one thing I would change: I think it’s fair to say that sometimes it’s guilty of being a bit cliched; we overuse certain language and concepts – like artisan, authentic and bespoke. I’d like to see more originality.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Lorraine Kelly because she’s chatty and so am I! She has been on the TV since the 1980s, but she’s really good at keeping her own personal brand and style over the decades. I like the way she comes very close to bursting out laughing; she seems like a fun, warm person but she has also carved her path in a challenging and evolving industry.
My advice for someone just starting out: Don’t get too worried or obsessed about five- or 10-year plans – enjoy yourself, get good at things and be a doer and it will all work out in the end.
