More than 40 undergraduates hoping to start a career in real estate were given an insight into the industry at an event hosted by Tristan Capital Partners and Sterling Property Ventures at their 103 Colmore Row office building in Birmingham.
Tristan, which funded the city’s newest office tower – and delivered it alongside Sterling Property Ventures – is a founding partner of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity’s (SEO’s) Real Estate programme, a charity aimed at tackling inequality in the commercial property industry.
The 40+ students, from a diverse range of backgrounds, were invited to 103 Colmore Row as part of SEO’s Step Into Real Estate programme. The programme provides an introduction to commercial property – including investment, valuation and finance – and coaching on how to succeed in the industry.
Ric Lewis, founder and executive chairman at Tristan Capital, said: “Just one in four real estate firms have employees from lower socio-economic groups. We are on a mission, alongside SEO, to change that, bringing young people from under-represented groups and ethnicities into our industry.
“Young people with drive and ambition, but who lack the network and insight to embark on a career in real estate, benefit hugely from the information, mentoring and support SEO provides.”
James Howarth, managing director of Sterling Property Ventures, said: “We opened up 103 Colmore Row to the public during the Commonwealth Games, and have hosted a picnic for children from Ladywood. It is our privilege to share this project with people who may not always have the opportunity to visit commercial buildings.”
Marina Novis, head of real estate programme at SEO, said: “103 Colmore Row is one of the country’s best office buildings and it was great to showcase it to our students. Many young people don’t have the opportunity to explore a commercial building like this – these visits are truly inspirational and our thanks go to Tristan Capital Partners and Sterling Property Ventures for facilitating it.”
103 Colmore Row comprises 225,442 sq ft of Grade A, BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A rated workspace. On-site amenities include Orelle, the double height restaurant on the 24th floor and ground floor bar and café, operated by D&D London, and a members’ business club on the 18th floor, in addition to three floors of flexible office space, managed by x+why.
The building benefits from WiredScore Platinum rated digital connectivity and it is the first commercial building in the central business district to connect to the District Heating System, with electricity generated from renewable energy.
103 Colmore Row was recently named Best Commercial Workplace (Midlands & Central England) by the British Council for Offices.
