IFSDG: How long have you worked in GRAFT?
Jim: GRAFT only opened its doors in June,
but I've worked in the UK property market man and boy!
Notwithstanding this, GRAFT, which is a new concept of serviced
co-working space, is a breath of fresh air and I've really enjoyed
being at the heart of it all.
IFSDG: How many people work at GRAFT?
Jim: We have a core team of four at the
moment, but there's a larger team working behind the scenes -
from IT to branding to PR and Marketing.
IFSDG: What is the vision for GRAFT in
Glasgow?
Jim: To be recognised as the 'best in
class' within our sector and to expand the GRAFT brand to other
areas of the City and beyond.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Jim: I've always been an early starter so
I'm usually up at 5am - a quick coffee and straight into my emails,
followed by a catch up on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. We have a big push on marketing at the moment so the
main part of my working day is spent promoting the brand and
carrying out viewings of the space. I'm back on email by mid
afternoon, before heading home for dinner and some time with the
family (and more social media training from my son!).
IFSDG: Why did GRAFT choose to locate in the IFSD
in Glasgow?
Jim: Although GRAFT is a new venture for
us, myself and the team have spent most of our working lives in
Glasgow and it's where we feel most at home. There's nothing
like GRAFT in Glasgow and the response to our product so far has
been brilliant. We see so much potential in the city for flexible,
high-quality co-working space as occupier demand is changing
rapidly. Sectors such as the digital design sector and also
the emergence of lots of small Fintech software developers, who
have the potential to grow rapidly, mean that shared space is in
high demand.
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow.
Jim: The people: we're friendly, open, up
for a challenge and have some good banter The commute is always
manageable, unlike many other large cities
We may be self-deprecating but our city is home to some of the
most exciting businesses in the world
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Jim: Making it into the 2008 Who's Who in
Property, just before the crash!
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Jim: Buying my son, Scott, a car before
he had passed his test…it's saved me a small fortune on taxis! In
business terms, investing in GRAFT, as I'm realising an ambition of
getting a brand off the ground from start to finish.
IFSDG: Which businessperson or company do you most
admire and why?
Jim: I like US counterpart Convene
…they've just raised $152m to fuel their expansion.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Jim: A footballer. I had the chance to
sign for Queens Park amateurs and play at Hampden, but I didn't
like their strip!
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Jim: We've got two sprockers (brother and
sister). My wife, Linda, does all the hard work but they're great
company and there's no better way to relax than to take them to the
beach for a run, although one is grounded at the moment having just
had his second cruciate operation in two years.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Jim: I Phone
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Jim: The Killers
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Jim: Football
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Jim: Ben Hur
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Jim: Sunshine
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Jim: Positive, confident and excited.