Barberry Developments has appointed Alex Watson as director with a focus on building the company’s commercial and residential investments portfolio.
The announcement comes two years after Alex first joined his father Paul Watson at Barberry, one of the most successful privately owned property development and investment companies in the West Midlands.
Managing director Jon Bellfield said: “I am very pleased to announce that Alex Watson has been appointed as a director of the Barberry group of companies.
“There is no doubt that Alex has the experience and enthusiasm required to develop Barberry’s interest in both the commercial and residential asset sectors. He will be looking at opportunities right across the spectrum, maximising value and making a significant contribution to the business.”
Alex is looking forward to the challenges ahead in his new role at the ambitious Worcestershire-based company. He said: “There are excellent investment and development opportunities in the current market and I am excited at the prospect of building Barberry’s interests.
“Over the past two years at the company I have been working with our existing portfolio of mostly commercial property of all types, letting void space, maximising values, and seeking commercial opportunities such as refurbishments and new builds.
“We are in the process of completing our first offices to residential conversion project at Rocksborough House in Olton, Solihull, where we are turning a neglected commercial building into 27 high quality apartments. There is huge interest in the scheme from local people and investors.
“While this is our first project of its kind – converting unwanted and unloved office space into residential – it won’t be the last. We are actively looking for similar opportunities and the regeneration of vacant buildings is an area we are very keen to explore further as we seek to broaden the asset base of the company.”
Alex, aged 29, joined Barberry in 2011 from GBR Phoenix Beard’s investment team where he acted for a range of private individuals, property companies and funds. He previously worked at DTZ both in the residential development and retail agency teams.
Alex, who lives in Birmingham and hails from Worcestershire, studied real estate at Birmingham City University. He enjoys skiing, sailing, water skiing and cycling.
