Voices in Property -Gary Hersham

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Gary Hersham, Owner of Beauchamp Estates, shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.



What are you most proud of in your career?

What I am most proud of is the recognition of Beauchamp Estates in PCL as well as in the Real Estate world today. I started Beauchamp Estates off in a second floor office at 14 Beauchamp Place in the late 70’s. Now we are a globally recognised agency with nine offices worldwide. We have become known for the sale of the most expensive property in the world. We regularly sell some of the most expensive houses and flats both in London and abroad. I am extremely proud of our teams, as well as Olga, my wife whose team runs everything bar sales.

What was your first property job and how did you get it?

My first job was not in an Estate Agency. After school I went to theological college, followed by an undergraduate degree at Imperial College. I then started a PhD at the Royal Post Graduate School of Medicine which I never finished as I wanted to start working. I started working for my father’s PLC in the property division and was there for a year or so. Randomly on a Sunday afternoon I invited a Singaporean friend to tea at my parents’ home. By chance he volunteered that he had just acquired a small unknown Knightsbridge based rental Agency and asked whether I might like to join him in the endeavour. With £2000 of loan capital, I became a minor shareholder and started at once. By the end of the year my friend decided to return to Singapore and sold me the remaining shares in Beauchamp Estates for a nominal sum.

The rest is history.

What motivates you?

I like working and I get up every day looking forward to my work. We have just opened a 9th office in Marbella, where I am currently working.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

The first thing that an interviewer sees is the interviewee. Thus the most important impression is the first impression. An interviewee should come properly dressed for an interview! Not in a pair of sneakers and a T-shirt but well presented, hopefully looking their best. One must make the effort. Secondly the person should prepare for the interview and know what questions to expect. 

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Listen more than speak.

What I believe is that the best mode of learning and understanding is to listen and not be the one who does all the talking.

So the advice I would give is listen very carefully to what the questions posed and then answer them as precisely as you can…

One has two ears but only one mouth. There is a reason for that.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?

I have to say it must be Gerald Ronson. A great man who is no spring chicken but yet works every day. He tells me that he also has a weekend job too which is going round his petrol stations! I doubt he takes off more than five days at a time when he goes on holiday …..even now! I should take a leaf out of his book! All the people who worked for him have gone on to be hugely successful in the own right. Those who passed through his organisation have made such huge successes most probably because of his influence.

Your best deal?

Well, at the couple of years ago, we sold 2–8aRutland Gate which we ended up achieving £225,000,000. 

I never thought the sale would happen.

The counterparty being the buyer acted so diligently and so responsibly that that deal sailed through as if it was a £10,000,000 transaction….everything went to time. 

Apple or Android?

I use an Apple iPhone which is a superb bit of kit. 

I don’t know whether an Android is the same, but having many thousands of contacts in my iPhone where there is always space for more and more I have no thoughts of changing to android. 

Find out more about Beauchamp Estates here and click here to connect with Gary Hersham.

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