Broad Gate has proved to be an inspirational building

Prospects for the first quarter of the year are encouraging, with a good percentage of deals carrying over from the last quarter of 2011.

Our Toronto Square office in Leeds has had a particularly successful 12 months, with 36,000 sq ft in lettings, but there are of course still many economic challenges ahead, including the continuing uncertainty in the eurozone, and this makes predictions difficult.

What is the best project you have been involved in?

Highcross’ Broad Gate development in Leeds city centre. Our restoration and refurbishment programme brought back to life a dilapidated building, created outstanding office and retail space, and won the British Council for Offices award for Best Refurbished Workplace in the country, which was a huge achievement. We’re also about to launch a new serviced office option at Broad Gate, adding another dimension to the building’s appeal.

What is your favourite building in the region and why?

It has to be Broad Gate. It is an inspiring building inside and out, and the views, especially from the rooftop terrace, are fantastic.

If you could change one thing to improve the property industry in this region, what would it be?

I’d like to see more focus on encouraging companies from outside the region and the UK to base themselves in Leeds. It’s a great city, and there’s always more that could be done to proactively sell its benefits to inward investors.

Whom do you most admire in the property industry?

Peter Gubb, managing director of Highcross, for his unwavering focus on the regional markets and recognition of the potential of Leeds as a vibrant business environment.