North East-based Hamilton Willis works for landowners and housebuilders, securing best value for both parties to feed the demand for more luxury and affordable housing
We spoke to co-founder and director Aidan Hamilton about his role and future ambitions.
Why did you start Hamilton Willis three years ago?
My colleague Calum Willis and I saw a market opportunity for someone with our PLC and SME house builder background. Our fresh approach and understanding of all aspects of the land acquisition and development process allows us to ensure landowners maximise the value of their assets. Similarly, we help developers source the right development opportunities to match their business requirements. Also, the chance to be my own boss; to do things my own way has long appealed. If you enjoy your work, you put total focus and energy into it.
So, why not let it be for yourself?
How do you differ to land agents and others in the property sector? There are lots of really good agents and consultancies out there and we work well with them. However, they generally don’t have our background. This means we can offer a one-stop-shop bespoke approach to individual projects. Having the insight and understanding of every aspect of the development process is invaluable when buying and selling land or seeking planning permission.
What is your main offer to landowners and to builders?
It’s us as individuals. We really understand the importance and value of what we do for our clients. They benefit from senior expertise and experience (no junior staff) and receive 100% involvement from us from the start of a project to conclusion. It’s critical that landowners are properly communicated with and understand what is happening, and that they trust the process we are helping with. We also speak the right language to house builders and developers, which smooths the curve when it comes to closing deals.
What impact has the business made in the North East so far?
We have quite quickly become an established brand in our sector in a short period. For example, in 2021 alone we were involved in 13 contracted deals totalling more than 1750 units. This is a phenomenal achievement for a company of our size and reflects how far we have come in such a short time. What are your plans in the next 12 months? We are committed to continued investment in the business and expanding our service offering both regionally and further afield. We will build on our successes to date, bringing in more senior experience to boost the team and improve client services. We also want to continue to have fun and work with great people and clients.
How do you see things evolving in the next three years?
Despite media sensationalism, I’m hopeful that the water won’t be too choppy in the post-Covid, post-Brexit landscape. We certainly continue to see positivity everywhere in the market. However, because as our offer isn’t pigeon-holed, I don’t think that we will need to evolve too much. We will just remain accomplished in our ability to deliver a diverse service.
What are the biggest challenges facing Hamilton Willis?
We face the same issues as anyone working in our industry in the North-East, which is the availability of development land. We are as well placed to ride out any bumps in the road as anyone. There are several aspects to the business, so we should hopefully always be able to deliver for our clients.
How do you relax away from work?
I don’t. I have an 18-month-old little girl!
