The property and built environment on the Isle of Man is closely linked to Ben’s long family history, consisting of Developers, Landlords, Investors, Building Surveyors and Project Managers, which inspired his initial interest in the industry.
Isle of Man born and educated at St Johns and Queen Elizabeth II High School, Ben attended Nottingham Trent University in 2010 to study Real Estate. Here he was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in 2014 and received an academic award for his exemplary results from the Dean of the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment.
During his time at University, Ben was awarded a placement year with McDonalds Restaurants Property and Asset Management Team for 1 year. This involved managing a portfolio of McDonald’s Restaurants throughout the North of England for McDonald’s owned and Franchised stores, including the negotiation of rent reviews, preparing lease renewal recommendations and valuation reports, whilst undertaking the development of refurbishment schemes, side by side drive-thru installation, office moves, tandem projects and land purchases.
Ben secured an extremely competitive Graduate Scheme position with one of the UK’s leading Commercial Property Consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton, where he rotated through Central London Office Agency, Lease Advisory, Valuation and Property Management Team, before being elected as a professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2016. Ben decided to specialise in Planning and Development Consultancy at Lambert Smith Hampton for a further 4 years, advising landowners from the private and public sectors, commercial developers and house builders on a range of development projects from refurbishments through to driving long-term complex development schemes through the pre-planning, planning, construction and letting / selling phases.
In 2020 Ben moved back to the Isle of Man, now living in Port Erin with his partner Tabby and joined Black Grace Cowley to head up the Commercial Property Management Department but is also heavily involved with the Lettings, Sales, Valuation and Professional Teams.
Outside of work Ben plays Rugby for his local Southern Nomads Team, having Captained Lambert Smith Hamptons team in the National Surveyor 7’s Rugby Tournament between 2017 – 2020 and takes part in the Microgaming and Sid Quirk half marathons each year. Ben also completed the London Marathon in 2021, raising money for Anthony Nolan and takes part in short and middle-distance triathlons.