Ravinder Cheema first came to JLL, whilst studying for a Masters Degree in Planning and Development. He was supposed to do just a four-week internship and ended up joining JLL’s graduate scheme.
Matthew Smith, JLL’s lead director of the Nottingham office was really impressed with Rav from the start. “He was very switched on, clearly knew the East Midlands market and stood out as an individual who was keen to make his mark in the industry.
“He immediately embraced JLL’s culture, demonstrating a very positive approach to building a profile on social media, but what really struck a chord with us, was his commitment to completing a masters degree yet still giving 100 per cent to his work.”
Now Rav lives in Derby and works within the agency and development team, responsible for securing and managing a range of disposal, acquisition and consultancy instructions across the East Midlands, predominantly within the office and industrial sectors but also encompassing residential land.
He gained a merit in his Masters degree at Nottingham Trent University and has continued on his journey at JLL, now working at the company for just under two years.
“Ultimately it was the opportunity I knew JLL presented that made me stay in Nottingham.” said Rav. “Many of my friends at uni had headed back down south, however from looking at JLL’s graduate scheme and website I could see this was the company where I wanted to be.
“Working as part of a local team but drawing on the strength and benefits of a global network has given me the exposure to a much higher level of work than I would ever have gained from joining a regionally focused property agency.
“Nottingham enjoyed, like many other regional cities, a stellar year for investment in 2015 and JLL was behind the scenes on pretty much all the large transactions happening. I quickly learned that attracting inward investment is the key to ensuring the long term prosperity of the city.”
The arrival of NOW: Pensions, taking 20,000 sq ft of prestigious office space at 37 Park Row was significant in more ways than one. Not least because of the creation of 250 jobs, but more critically it represented an emerging trend of London based companies looking to set up their back-room operations in the regions.
Rav continued: “London and the South-East is struggling as the cost of living and house prices are so high, its pricing many graduates out of the capital. Nottingham scores extremely well when companies are looking to relocate. And it is a vibrant city providing a good quality of life and accessible property market.
“Recent investment in infrastructure with the new tram links, revamped station and duelling of the A453 from the city to the M1 also makes it an attractive proposition. Not to mention the leisure facilities.”
“JLL has many conversations outside of city and with itsother regional and international counterparts, flagging up the opportunities Nottingham presents. It’s a really exciting time at the moment with devolution and HS2 changing the way cities think about themselves and how they can connect in the future with the rest of the UK and the world.
“Increasing urbanization means more and more young people want to gravitate to our cities and the way people want to live, work and play is changing. We are the new digital natives embracing technology and demanding new smarter cities.”
Rav concludes: “For me it’s an incredibly exciting industry to be in and with JLL I feel I have the best opportunity to be at the cutting edge of it. It’s not all work though. The chemistry of the team is important too and JLL encourages extra curricular activities. There are a wide variety of sports teams, a staff choir, volunteering and charity fundraising activities and regular social events as well as networks for women, LGBT staff and working parents. Oh and there’s an annual triathlon. I haven’t entered it yet, but it’s something to aim for.”
