3/16/2021

COFFEE BREAK with… Charles Jones, Associate Director

Coffee Break with… is a Christie & Co series showcasing the brilliance, expertise, and diversity of our network of over 200 employees.

When did you join Christie & Co?

2 November 2020.

Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie & Co?

Working from home due to COVID-19 pandemic. Note* I previously worked at Christie & Co from August 2014 to April 2019.

What was your first job?

Location planning consultant at CACI in London – feasibility studies and demographic analysis for locations that leisure operators are considering.

In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie & Co?

I currently work within the Hospitality Team based out of Christie & Co's Birmingham office, providing disposal and acquisition advice to independent and corporate clients on single assets and portfolios, as well as advising on hotel development and operator selection projects.

What’s your favourite thing about Christie & Co?

The experience of the team and the learning opportunity this provides.

If you had to pick a favourite project that you’ve worked on at Christie & Co so far, what would it be?

Wyevale Garden Centres:

145 Garden Centres

Freehold and leasehold sites

Project team across the country managing the process

What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?

Juggling the purchase of a new house, a global pandemic/work and the arrival of a newborn baby all at once.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?

Finalist for Birmingham Young Professional of the Year – Property & Construction category

How has the industry changed since you started at Christie & Co?

Pubs /Restaurants:

Pop up concepts
Street food
Drive towards individual brands / operators and away from corporate chains
Social media presence / the opportunity for operators to use this – Instagram pictures of food, drink and venues
New entertainment within venues
Movement away from nightclubs towards restaurants with bars and live music

Hotels:

Technology within rooms
New brands to enter the market
Appetite for this sector from buyers who previously specialised in a different area

Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?

I recently became a new dad. Harry was born March 2020 (Lockdown baby). He’s change my view on life and what’s important. Also love dog walks – Two dogs – French bulldog and a Pug, playing golf, and football – Aston Villa fan.

What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?

Birmingham.

Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?

Barbados.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who over promise and under deliver.

If you could live and work in any city, where would you go?

Barcelona - great food, culture, weather, beaches and close enough to UK to fly back to family.

What would be your desert island meal?

Starter – Calamari and drinking a mojito.

Main – Filet Steak with Peppercorn sauce, with a Peroni.

Desert – Chocolate cake with warm chocolate sauce and ice cream.