Matthew Clarke - Partner, Sanderson Wetherall
Did you always envisage a career working in and around The Built Environment?
Yes I did – I actually started university doing a degree in civil engineering which by the end of year 1, realised wasn’t for me so I changed course to geography which provided me with a passion for physical geography so I do love to explore a map or a plan as part of my job.
Tell us about your current role?
My current role involves managing my team, dealing with clients, understanding their needs and providing solutions, the Teesside office is part of the wider north east team and I am also a shareholding partner in the practice. My day job is still providing valuation reports for a range of property types, mainly commercial for secured lending.
Tell us about your team?
I am lucky to have a great team – Graham Blenkarne who rejoined us recently, Matthew Ternent and Ocean Atkinson and Celine Balthazard. They are a fantastic bunch of chartered surveyors who are the go-to experts for property valuations in the region. Being locals, they’re familiar with the local market and the ins and outs of everything from retail units in Middlesbrough to large industrial warehouses in Stockton-on-Tees.
What are you currently working on?
My work is ever changing, we don’t tend to have long standing projects, there is usually a start and a finish fairly quickly.
What is your proudest career achievement?
Going back a fair few years, I still remember the exhilaration of passing my professional qualification (APC) – in the days before the results were posted online, it was an anxious wait for the post! Being asked to be a shareholder was also a great milestone for me, having been at the firm for over 25 years now, being part of the bigger picture is really important to me.
What is your own favourite building?
Like many I do love iconic historical buildings and enjoy seeing amazing architecture, however from a work perspective, there is nothing I like more than a massive industrial unit!
How do you see your industry evolving over the next 10 years?
I believe the property and surveying industry will continue to remain people focused and driven by what our clients want and need, the use of AI will no doubt increase and it is important we use it to our advantage to benefit and progress the industry rather than work against it. The shift towards sustainability and net-zero targets will fundamentally change how commercial properties are valued. This change is driven by a combination of new regulations, shifting tenant and investor demand, and the financial risks associated with climate change.
What does the future hold?
For me, being the best I can be and continuing to direct my passion for the job and the company into making it a success and doing the best for our clients, I am a big believer in you are only as good as your last job. Additionally, I am passionate about the place I live and work, and will continue to tell everyone about how great Teesside is.
Who would be your four ideal dinner guests?
I love rugby so I would say world cup winner and former Lions captain Martin Johnson, a born leader and winner, and I do love the Boro so it would have to be the Brazilian legend that is Juninho, the recently retired cyclist and winner of the most tour de France stages, Mark Cavendish, and then to mix it up the amazing singer Stevie Wonder!
How do you like to unwind ?
I do enjoy getting out on my bike however since buying a Victorian house with a fair-sized garden, there hasn’t been so much free time, so now I would say outdoor cooking, I do love firing up my Kamado and cooking a good steak to enjoy with my family. I also help coach an U11 rugby team and it is so great seeing them improve and develop a love for the game. And of course, following the Boro!
Favourite boxset?
I don’t really do boxsets but I do love watching sport such as the Tour de France or the Lions, as well as Netflix crime series from my favourite authors like Harlan Coben.
Favourite book?
I do like to read as it helps me relax (although refer to previous comment on time!) and I love anything by Peter Robinson, Lee Child, Michael Connelly or Conn Iggulden who does amazing historical fiction.
sw.co.uk