Meet the supplier… in May, we put Richard Clark in the hot seat, partner at Knight Frank —  real estate consultancy and estate agency, headquartered in London but with clients spanning 50 countries across the globe. Richard is based in Leeds. 

1.Tell us about your role at Knight Frank, and the part you play

 I’m a partner in the lease advisory team at Knight Frank. That means I help landlords and tenants with lease negotiations relating to office and industrial premises, as well as head lease restructuring, occupational lease re-gearing, and surrender negotiations.

2.What’s been a key highlight for your organisation, to get to where you are now?

Knight Frank has been working with clients’ property interests since 1896, so the legacy of the business is really important. On a personal level, I amassed 7 years of experience in the central London market, before moving my career to Yorkshire 17 years ago.

 3.And what’s next for your business?

As well as our presence in the north of England, Knight Frank operates in over 50 countries, with 600 offices and over 20,000 people. The business is looking forward to a future of positive growth, shaping the built environment and its impact for the longer term.

4.Share one word you would use to describe your industry:

 People.

5.Finish the sentence: The biggest misconception faced by our business sector is…

That we only sell houses!

6.What advice would you give to someone starting a career or business within your sector?

Building your relationships and contacts, coupled with hard work, will create your career. Look after people and learn from the best wherever you can.

 7.And the best piece of professional advice you were ever given?

 “Diligence is the mother of good luck.’” I pinched this from a calendar, but I agree with it!

8.Which do you think will be the biggest trend within your business over the next 12 months?

AI is having a major impact on all industries and property will be no exception. We’re seeing AI create several new opportunities for occupiers and landlords, it can already help to improve and optimise building efficiency, enhance tenant comfort and reduce costs via smart sensors and data devices.

AI-powered systems can also optimise industrial property operations, such as energy management, maintenance scheduling and resource allocation. Predictive maintenance algorithms can even anticipate equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for landlords.

At Knight Frank we are currently trialling software that can assist with functions such as lease analysis.

9.If you are out of the house for an hour, what would be the first activity you opt for, to pass the time?

I play tennis, so I would probably find a court near Leeds to challenge a colleague to a match.

10. And finally, for a bit of fun, if you could play a part in any movie or TV show, what would it be and why?

I don’t watch much TV (I have too many other jobs to do!), but my wife thinks I’d make a good character on Yellowstone — I love horses and the great outdoors.