Every week, we meet a property person from a different age group. This week, Mike Phillips talks to 28-year-old RSPCA volunteer Victoria Chell, head of development consultancy at RLF Morgan Devey
What do you do in property?
I head a new development consultancy service at RLF Morgan Devey Property & Development Consultants, which is part of Robinson Low Francis in Birmingham.
How did you get into property?
From a young age, I wanted a career working with buildings and historic buildings. I did a three-year course in business in property at the University of the West of England in Bristol. It’s a really good course, and is RICS accredited, which is really useful.
It must have been plain sailing finding a job, then.
Actually, no. When I finished university in 2003, I found it hard to find work. Because my course wasn’t a sandwich degree, I didn’t have any practical experience, which really counted against me.
I moved back to Kidderminster and ended up working in a bank. In the end I worked for free for three months for my first firm, Morgan Devey Associates, to get some work experience.
That must have been nerve-wracking.
In the end it was the best thing I could have done, as Morgan Devey took me on. It shows that sometimes you need to take a risk to get what you want.
How did you get your current role?
Morgan Devey was taken over by Robinson Low Francis in 2004, so I went from working in a small firm of around six to eight people to working in one of around 150.
In August they created a development consultancy business, and I feel really proud to have been asked to lead the new initiative.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have some great clients. It is such a sociable industry and I love talking through the issues and challenges with people.
Where does the Birmingham property glitterati hang out?
The Metro Bar and Grill. It’s right in the middle of the central business district, and is always full of property people.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m trustee of the local branch of the RSPCA. I’ve always been an animal lover, and a few years ago I decided to get involved and help out. We’ve got a bingo night coming up, which should be great fun.
Who are your heroes?
I read a biography of Elizabeth I by David Starkey a few years ago, and I’m a great admirer of hers, even though that sounds a bit geeky! She was such a strong character, and her reign was known as the golden age of England. I’m no feminist, but I think it shows what females can do when they are in positions of power.
