Meet the Team - Ellie
Continuing our Meet the Team series, it’s time to grill Director, Ellie Philcox.
Ellie will be joining Euan in MIPIM this year so read on if you want to get to know her a little better before you bump into her at the Palais des Festivals.
Tell us a bit about your professional background, Ellie.
I’ve been at Euan Kellie for nearly eight years, and before that I worked at Deloitte and Drivers Jonas.
I joined Drivers Jonas as a graduate in September 2005, after a four-year masters at the University of Manchester. It’s hard for me to believe, but that must mean I’ve been embedded in the Manchester property scene for over 22 years.
What’s been your area of expertise over that time?
I’ve advised on plenty of major retail projects and learnt the dark art of number crunching early on in my career.
But actually, I’ve been lucky to have always worked on a broad range of projects, rather than being pigeonholed. Nowadays much of my focus is on large city centre regeneration schemes. It’s a good fit as I love working in large multi-disciplinary teams: mapping out the planning strategy, managing people and collaborating with others.
I also work closely with registered providers delivering social housing. It’s a sector that aligns with my personal beliefs so it means a lot that I can make a meaningful impact on the city I live in.
I feel really lucky: I get to work on some meaningful projects within Greater Manchester, including some beautiful – often listed – buildings in the city centre while also making a positive contribution to its housing supply.
What makes Euan Kellie Property Solutions different from its competitors?
For me it’s the way we take full responsibility on all our projects. We genuinely care about them and want the best for our projects and our clients.
We understand where we fit into the bigger picture. That commercial mindset means we appreciate that, while planning is important, it’s part of something bigger. We understand the pressures our clients are under.
The size of our team means I get ingrained in every facet of a project, and I like doing the day-to-day stuff as well as the higher-level strategy. We each have much closer and trusted relationships with clients because of that.
We’re not a faceless team. When you choose to work with us, you really do get us working for you!
What do you bring to the team?
It’s probably my people skills. I love feeling part of the overall property community in Greater Manchester; being part of a collective, working towards the greater good. That’s why I really enjoy networking – something I know lots of people privately grimace about.
I organise a regular property drinks event in Chorlton (where I live), am an active member of Women in Property and enjoy participating on panels and other discussion events.
What fires you up?
This will sound cliché but it’s as simple as wanting to make a difference.
I’ve always preferred cities – they’re so dynamic and exciting. And I also love people and contributing in some way to things that matter. So, to feel like I’m part of something wider, a professional body committed to making Greater Manchester a better place, fires me up. That’s also why I mentor through the Social Mobility Foundation and Women in Property.
Tell us about a project that you’re particularly proud of.
I recently worked on a complex and interesting scheme in Manchester City Centre for Property Alliance Group which we secured consent for last summer. The heritage-led scheme includes the full refurbishment of a Grade II listed carriage works and adjoining warehouse, along with a modern office building fronting Motor Square, nestled behind the Kendals department store. The complex nature of the proposals required careful collaboration throughout – it was a great example of team work.
Describe your perfect working day.
I’d start with an early Barry’s Bootcamp class – the best way to start the day.
Then I’d probably have a day of back-to-back meetings. I love interacting with people, problem solving and sharing a passion and drive for getting stuff done.
I’d finish the day with a glass of wine in Blinker Bar – my new favourite.
What do you do for fun?
I love travelling and always need to have the next trip booked (next stop, LA in May). I’ve managed to tick off all of the Wonders of the World on my travels.
What was your favourite Wonder to visit?
Tricky, as they’re all special. There’s a reason it’s a very exclusive list! Perhaps my most recent trip, the Taj Mahal, the scale of which is just breathtaking.
Ellie will be at MIPIM in Cannes from 12-15 March. Get in touch to catch up with her.