Voices in Property - Nick Vaughan

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

In this edition, Nick Vaughan CEO of Southern Grove Group 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?

I think it’s seeing the people who worked for me in my various roles over the course of my career, growing from junior members of the team, into professionals and leaders in their own right. I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant people over the course of my career and being able to help and guide them to achieve their own goals is something that I have been incredibly proud of.

First property job and how you got it?

My first job in property was as a trainee development consultant in the Residential Development and Investment team at Hamptons International. I really wanted to get into the team so I approached them on the basis that I was happy to do any role, so I started as a quasi-intern, doing anything that was required and that quickly led to a full time role in the development and investment team. 

What motivates you?

Overcoming challenges. At the moment, the development world is a very challenging space and I get huge motivation from working with the team here at Southern Grove to overcome the various challenges we are faced with on a daily basis. Ultimately, I want to increase housing delivery, across all tenures and unlocking sites that are currently dormant or unviable, to provide good quality housing, whatever that looks like, is a huge motivation for me.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?

For me, it’s to think ahead about what you personally want to get out of the interview and the role you are applying for. I think we often see interviews as a one-sided process however it’s a two way street and you have to want to do the role and ensure that you are getting as much out of the role for yourself as the business is. 

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

Be strong, be brave, be kind.

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

My wife took a career break when we had our children and when she came back she re-trained as a career and workplace coach. She’s now the head of her own, thriving coaching business which she has built from the ground up. It reminds me every day that anything is possible if you want it enough, and are willing to work hard enough to achieve it, whatever that looks like.

Your best deal?

The next one.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

I would have to say the Water House Project in Bethnal Green. I was working on a development project nearby a few years ago and so ended up discovering it almost by accident. It’s fine dining with a supper club atmosphere. There’s no choice, just a single tasting menu every evening paired with amazing wines. 

Apple or Android?

Apple.

About Southern Grove Group

Find out more about Southern Grove Group here and connect with Nick Vaughan here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.