A Journey to Property Investment

In 1968, while regularly visiting friends near Heathrow Airport, I observed a growing demand for parcel deliveries. Recognising an opportunity, I acquired a small van and began offering delivery services. Over the next 15 years, our operations expanded significantly. As demand grew, we transitioned to larger vehicles, eventually building an international haulage business with a fleet of articulated lorries operating across Europe and the Middle East. The closure of key sea ports further strengthened our position, creating a demand for efficient land transport solutions.

The Transition to Property

As our transport business grew, so did our need for infrastructure. We required premises for vehicle maintenance, administration, and dispatch. This led us to acquire a three-storey office block near Heathrow with ample yard space. Since we only needed one floor, we let the other two out. One to South African Airways and the other to a nimber of cargo agents looking for affordable alternatives to high airport rents. This sparked a realisation: property letting could be a lucrative second business.