British Land is happy to work with unknown contractors and architects – so long as they can meet one or two non-negotiable demands. Emily Wright asks development director Nigel Webb what they are
If there were a friendly giant of the client world, British Land would be it. The group, which is now the biggest developer in Europe, is known for giving the time of day to a range of contractors, consultants and architects, whatever their size or status.
It’s no surprise, then, that everyone wants to work for the company. “We have control over a lot of developments and have a lot in the pipeline. Anyone who works with us will enjoy a successful long-term relationship,” says development director Nigel Webb.
Since it started out in 1970 as a small fry worth just £20m, British Land has grown to own or manage property worth £18bn. It expects to spend in the region of £650m on construction this year and has committed itself to spending £873m on new build between 2007 and 2009.
The company reshaped its portfolio just over a year ago to focus on office and retail development. The plan is to complete the 822,000 ft2 Broadgate Tower and the 201 Bishopsgate development in the Square Mile in 2008, when demand for office space is high. The reasoning behind this decision is set out by Webb. “In our opinion, looking beyond 2010, supply of City offices will have increased so dramatically that demand will have dwindled,” says Webb. “We think we’ve struck an optimum point with our developments scheduled for between 2007 and 2010. Anyone starting stuff in the next 18 months could be too late.”
British Land’s new-build programme will provide 2.5 million ft2 of new space so there is a lot of work to be done and plenty of opportunities for architects, contractors and consultants. The next big project the company will be focusing on is the 601,000 ft2 Leadenhall building in the City. Webb says he will be on the lookout for contractors for this project later in the year. British Land is also on the shortlist to develop Euston station. “If Network Rail tells us that we’ve won then that will be a very significant project and we will be drawing up a team of consultants,” says Webb.
Like any client, British Land has its favourite suppliers but Webb says it keeps an open mind, and takes the odd calculated gamble on smaller firms. “These sorts of risks should be part of development,” he says. “We’re certainly not afraid to bring in new people and try new things. We try to be fresh.”
Our developments are set for between 2007 and 2010. Anyone starting stuff in the next 18 months could be too late
Nigel Webb, development director
On its big developments, British Land works with contractors such as Mace, Sir Robert McAlpine and Bovis Lend Lease, with which it has had a close relationship for eight years. Bovis is building British Land’s best-known project, the Broadgate Tower, and has just been appointed to a pre-construction role on the Leadenhall Building, again in the Square Mile.
British Land does not have a preferred supplier list. On smaller projects, the company would not discount any potential new suppliers. “We put a lot of effort into exploring new contractors, whether we approach them or vice versa, and the same applies to architects. Going further afield is the only way to get greater variety and keep the work we do fresh,” says Webb. “We sponsor architectural awards to get to know fresh new designers. And we take ourselves around other projects. It’s interesting to see who the other developers are using and what they’re doing.”
British Land may be approachable but it takes no prisoners when it comes to standards of work and attitude. “Working with us is demanding because we’re a knowledgeable client and so we have a very clear idea as to what we want from a particular development. And standards are high,” says Webb.
So how can its potential suppliers prove that they are up to the job? “It’s difficult to say exactly what someone should do to catch our eye,” says Webb. “It is very site-specific and we look at companies on a project-by-project basis. The basics are that they have a good track record, although not necessarily on projects of the same size as ours, that they will bring value to the project and that they are as dedicated as we are to sustainability.”
Dedication to sustainable procurement is an absolute must for British Land. “We expect all consultants to look at issues like recycling and climate control and we make sure they will from as early as the interview process. Some people vaguely throw around the sustainability idea but it is something we firmly believe in,” says Webb.
The big change for the company this year is the departure of iconic chairman and chief executive Sir John Ritblat, who retires in December after 35 years at the helm. Apart from that, Webb says, British Land will be focusing on the here and now.
“In property it’s difficult to look more than five years into the future,” he says. “We work in an ever-changing marketplace and need to be open constantly to respond to changes in the market. But we have a very clear focus, we are driving forward and we follow Sir John’s mantra: ‘Always be doing something before and better than everyone else’.”
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