So, whether you’re new to the business or an experienced professional, it can help to learn from people who have seen great success.
Britain’s rich lists are full of names from the property world. Here are just five of the richest property developers in the UK to take inspiration from.
John Bloor
Derbyshire-born John Bloor came from humble beginnings. The son of a coal miner, he started his construction career as a trainee plasterer for a local building contractor. But, after just a few years, at the age of 20, he decided to set up his own business and began building his first house.
A lot has changed in the sixty-plus years that have followed. John is now the founder of Bloor Homes, one of the biggest privately-owned homebuilders in the UK, and, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, is now worth £3.101bn.
His two sons, Adrian and Nick, have worked with him throughout the years at Bloor Homes, with Adrian serving as Chief Executive until early 2020.
So, how did Bloor get to where he is today? Well, Bloor Homes highlights its five-star ratings, commitment to quality, well-designed homes, and the fact that this family-run business really cares. But, Bloor has also been extremely savvy, in particular when it comes to distressed assets.
Throughout the years, Bloor diversified and made many shrewd investments. Way back in 1983, for example, he bought Triumph motorcycles. He had been visiting their former factory and considering purchasing it as a housing development site. Instead, he sub-licensed the collapsed brand, opened a new factory, and the company now produces tens of thousands of motorbikes per year.
David and Simon Reuben
Brothers and British businessmen David and Simon Reuben have been named the second-richest family in the UK by the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated wealth of £26.873bn.
Born in Bombay, British India, they moved to the UK in the 1950s, where they’ve spent most of their lives. David’s first job was at a scrap metal business, and Simon worked with carpets before going on to buy England’s oldest carpet company.
It was from this carpet company that he made enough money to start investing in property.
Throughout the years, the Reuben brothers have concentrated on two main industries: metals and property trading. Both have been highly successful ventures. However, over the last two decades, their focus has been on the UK property market and tech.
They own many notable properties on the UK’s skyline, including John Lewis Partnerships’ headquarters and the American Express offices in Victoria, the London Primark store on Oxford Street, and Millbank Tower, to name a few. They also have invested in Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts and multiple small airports. Plus, they have a 10% share in Newcastle United Football Club.
With such a versatile portfolio, a lot can be learnt from the brothers. However, most importantly, they’ve taught others that it is important not to forget where you came from and to support the community around you.
The family created The Reuben Foundation, which focuses on advancing healthcare and education. This has led to the creation of the Nancy Reuben Primary School – an independent Jewish day school in honour of their mother. What’s more, £80m has been donated to support the creation of Reuben College, Oxford, which focuses on climate change and AI.
Gopi Hinduja
Born in India but residing in Britain, Gopi made most of his wealth alongside his late brother, Sri, and has an estimated worth of £35.304bn. They’re known for their shrewd business acumen, diverse interests, and expansion strategies.
The brothers started their careers working for their father’s textile and trading business, but have made many investments since. They bought Ashok Leyland and Gulf Oil in the 80s, established banks in the 90s, and, in 2012, they acquired Houghton International – the world’s largest metal fluids manufacturer.
So, how does property come into play? Well, with their business successes, the family has invested heavily in property and redeveloped many homes. For example, in 2006, they purchased Carlton Terrace in Westminster for £58m and reportedly spent a further £50m renovating it. They also own a £400m, 67,000 sq ft mansion with 25 bedrooms in St James’ Park.
Daren Whitaker
Very little is known about Daren Whitaker’s early life and career. However, the private businessman founded Renaker Build in 2006 with the goal of changing the Manchester skyline for the better. Known for its large-scale property developments, the company has completed jobs such as Deansgate Square, Crown Street, and Castle Wharf.
Two decades on, Daren acts as Chairman of the company and has an estimated wealth of £698m. Current projects include many skyscrapers, such as The Blade in New Jackson and Manchester’s first cylindrical skyscraper, Three60.
Kirkland Family
Admittedly, this entry on our list is a family, not an individual. However, the Kirklands have seen great success and are some of the most famous property investors in the country, so we had to give them a mention.
Owners of Bowmer & Kirkland, a major construction company co-founded in 1923 by Robert William Kirkland, the family’s estimated worth is £828m. More than a century on, they are still very involved in the company. Jack Kirkland is Group Chairman, Christopher and Michael Kirkland are Main Board Directors, and Robert M Kirkland acts as Life President.
Over the years, the company has worked on both residential and commercial projects – everything from distribution centres to schools, health facilities to sport and leisure arenas, with each worth between £1m and £130m. They’ve done all this in a way that prioritises family values, trust, loyalty, and community involvement, all while employing 1,550 staff in their head office alone.
So, if you’re interested in levelling up your property development and expanding your property portfolio, there’s no better real estate developer biography to read.
Do these developers inspire you?
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