Having started at Workman in October 2017 via the firm’s Graduate Scheme, Jonathan was recently promoted to the role of Associate, with responsibility for four senior management surveyors.

What three words describe Workman?

Variable, adaptable, sociable.

Having joined Workman as part of its renowned Graduate Scheme, why do you think this approach is important for the industry as a whole, and why would you recommend it to others?

The Graduate Scheme allows Workman to develop and invest in its employees from an early stage, building essential knowledge and working habits which will be followed throughout their career.

Having joined after graduating from university, Workman has provided me with a broad exposure across various clients and properties, which has allowed me to gain exposure to different scenarios and develop my property management skills.

I think it is important as it allows grads to get exposure from an early stage and to develop this throughout the varying roles and responsibilities as they further their careers.

I would recommend it, as it shows investing in employees at an early stage improves employee retention. The support I received from day one has shaped me into the Associate I am today.

How are you putting your skills to their best use at Workman?

At a large retail park I manage, we have an ongoing canopy replacement project which is circa six months from start to finish. This is being project managed by the Building Consultancy team.

However, my involvement extends to onsite management, including contractor / occupier / BC engagement, which not only highlights the interdepartmental role and the collaboration amongst different team members, but also strategic management skills on a large-scale project on a large retail park.

Tell us about your role, and why this is important to the firm and its clients?

I feel my role as an Associate is important to the firm as it involves working with people throughout our team, as well as other departments in the firm, on a variety of projects. Having completed the Graduate Scheme and passed my APC allows me to pass on my insight to current graduates too.

You’ve recently been promoted to Associate, how do you hope to further develop your role in the coming months and years?

I will be aiming to further my management skills as the role will require me to take on more people management as well as property management responsibilities, while balancing the two.

I am looking forward to taking on more business responsibilities and engaging further on helping the firm achieve its objectives. I’m also looking forward to investing in the grads and giving back to the company the support and education it has afforded me.

What has been your standout moment at Workman so far?

During Covid, I received a personal thanks from David Workman in relation to work undertaken during the period for a client. The work had involved speaking to every occupier within the portfolio to set out a plan going forward to ensure that occupier remained afloat post-Covid and the client still collected the rent due. The client had passed on his thanks directly to David, so it was very nice to have this acknowledged.

What change would you make to the wider property sector? And why?

I think we have to continue to invest and progress technology. From a property management perspective, this could allow us to better maintain, manage and improve property. It would also allow us to create and understand new spaces and further our experience with ESG.

What first led you into the property industry?

Being Glaswegian, I was always told to look up at the buildings when walking in the city centre. As a result, I developed an interest in buildings and architecture. Coupled with an undergrad degree in Geography, this is often a common route into property.

What are your spare time pursuits and how do they feed into your role at Workman?

I enjoy playing golf in my spare time. This sport provides many benefits which tie into my role as Associate, including an increased focus and concentration, social skills, problem solving, and communication skills.

What is your favourite building worldwide, and why?

The Gilbert Scott Building which is the main building at the University of Glasgow which is my alma mater. Formed in 1451, the current main building was completed in 1891 and from the tower gives a 360 view of the city.

What three dinner party guests would you choose and why?

• My grandad, because he is no longer here.
• Michael Jordan, because I was fortunate enough to be in a golfing group of his, as a caddy a few days before the 2014 Ryder Cup. He was over as a team ambassador and his group on the golf course were his friends from university. It would be nice to have a proper conversation, now that we’re pals.
• Billy Connolly, for the entertainment.