Property developer Landid is led by James Silver and is delivering 200,000 sq ft of prime office space in Riverside Sunderland. One of the 海角视频's most ambitious regeneration projects, Riverside Sunderland is backed by a £100m commitment from Legal and General, and is designed to stimulate the revival of the whole city centre.
The company is determined to make its mark on the city, well before the buildings complete, and is working with the community.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
I worked in a clothing factory in Manchester when I was around 15 years old. It was a great team of people and the manager took us for a pint or two and a pie every Friday. I was also paid in good old cash on a Friday evening. Emptying pantechnicon trucks was great fitness!
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
You should always celebrate even the smallest of successes.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
Working in commercial property development, there is always something. The key is to find your way around them or spot new opportunities or to turn the challenges themselves into opportunities.
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How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
It really hasn’t. A Twitter exec once told me that permission was presumed there and that’s how the business works best. 100% trust. We are all here, there and everywhere and hopefully together enough to work.
Who is your role model in business?
Everyone who wants to make something happen. Oddly, many businesses seem only to want to talk about it.
What would your dream job be?
Working with interesting people with ideas is great. I love hearing stories of start-ups with wacky ideas.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
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Ask questions. Never be afraid to say: “This might sound daft, but…”
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
I often stay at Seaburn or Roker and jogging along the golden sands of both beaches is wonderful. That access to lifestyle is one of the many reasons the people of the North East are great to work with.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
Hugely. A big part of our work in the North East is to ensure we engage with the wider community and ensure our work leaves a long-standing legacy of quality job creation and real place making.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
At Halifax market I bought a set of Boules. This has led to too much time being spent in the garden with the kids over the last couple of years…