RICHARDS' ROAD TO RECOVERY

摘要

John Richards has seen his fair share of booms and busts. After riding out several recessions in the course of a 30-year career at Hammerson, it must have been, therefore, something of an anticlimax when he stepped down as chief executive last year. Two years into the financial crisis, signs of a significant recovery had still not emerged when Richards made his bow. As chief executive of a listed property company, he had to react to changes in the market and meet the expectations of shareholders. As British Property Federation president, a role he assumed on Tuesday, he will be lobbying the government on decisions that drive those market changes, and that carry the expectations of an entire industry sector. Today he talks to Property WeeK aabout the issues that are likely to dominate his time in office. "Localism" and changes to planning are likely to be high on Richards' agenda, as the government attempts to devolve power while clawing back the country's £176bn defecit. He will also be helping property battle through the tough market conditions, promoting the role of REITs, and attempting to persuade ministers that the private sector can unlock value in public property.