John Burns’ property heroes: “They were the real builders”

John Burns, chief executive of Derwent London, is a popular figure among the property industry’s emerging leaders, but it is the “Ritblats and the Ronsons”, and founder of Land Securities Lord Samuel, whose work he admires the most. “They were the real builders and just did things with a different style,” Burns said, before also heaping praise on contemporary rival Argent for “creating a destination (King’s Cross) from a place that people were afraid to go”. Speaking on EG’s Tomorrow’s Leaders podcast, Burns made the strong assertion that Derwent would not be looking to venture too far out of London anytime soon. “People have often said to us, ‘why wouldn’t Derwent venture out of town?’ but the truth is we don’t know other markets well enough. “To do New York for example, well that’s going into the jungle, isn’t it? That will be a tough crowd of real estate experts. I think some of these places are good for holidays but not to put money down.” Speaking about the workplace culture at Derwent’s Saville Row headquarters, and how the company nurtures new recruits, Burns says he is committed to making himself available to all staff, and encourages younger colleagues to take part in business meetings. “It’s interesting. A lot of companies don’t like presentations and meetings with investors, but we’re in the reverse. It’s a bit like giving out sweeties when deciding who going to go on this tour and that.” When asked about any career regrets, he said: “I’d have worked a little harder. I didn’t wake up til I was in my late 30s. I may have been coasting for a time.”