My name is Richard Wilkinson, and I am a veteran of 23 years. I served in the Royal Artillery leaving as a Warrant Officer Class (RQMS).

Leading up to my discharge date, I had no real idea what was to be my next career. It was all very daunting to say the least! I did not use my resettlement and enhanced learning credits wisely, because I had no real idea what roles would be suited to my skill set. A vicious circle, and one which all service leavers face. Through a lot of luck, I managed to secure an interview for a Property Managing Agent based in London. I had no idea what the role entailed or what the sector looked like! I did some research and thankfully, was offered the role. Since then, I have never looked back.

My first appointment was as a Senior Property Manager. I was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of large residential and mixed-use developments. Arranging contracts for cleaning, gardening, plant and equipment, lifts, structure, and everything else in between! These ranged from smaller schemes comprising of 300 flats to larger 1200 flats across multiple locations. You are appointed to ensure that leaseholders receive value for money, the buildings are maintained to an impeccable standard and ensuring that leaseholders are safe in their homes. To achieve this, you are responsible for setting the service charge budgets, meeting Health & Safety Compliance and Legislation and arranging all contracts to service the building. Since leaving the Army, I have gained qualifications to Membership level of The Property Institute (TPI) and Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). I have been promoted to Associate Director and then Regional Operations Director, responsible for the Southern Operations for my employer.

The Property Management sector is extremely well suited to Armed Forces veterans. The skills you learned in management, organisation, integrity, resilience, and common sense are crucial and highly transferable to the Property Management arena.

If I can do it, so can you!

Richard Wilkinson
Ex Royal Artillery
Warrant Officer Class (RQMS)