Name: Dan Smith
Company: Savills
Job title: Director, and Head of Aberdeen Office
Give us the elevator pitch for your business.
Savills is a leading global real estate firm with more than 600 offices and over 35,000 professionals worldwide. Our full service offering means we act for a wide variety of clients across the commercial, rural and residential sectors.
Who are your customers?
In my ‘day job’ as office agent, my clients are typically office owners or occupiers.
Biggest business challenge and opportunity right now?
The commercial market has faced numerous challenges over recent years, however it feels like we are discussing ‘development viability’ on an all too regular basis these days.
High interest rates combined with exorbitant construction costs are bringing viability of new build into sharp focus. This is a key issue which needs addressed given the drive from most occupiers towards high quality, sustainable accommodation.
Word of advice for your fellow Chamber members?
You can’t make the market! As long as you continue to demonstrate the right attitudes, adopt the right principles and values, and do your best with the situations which you are able to control, then you can do no more!
Savills core values are to listen, empower, collaborate and challenge – this enables us to ensure a consistency of approach with clients, which I think stands us in good stead.
Best thing about being a Chamber member?
The Morning Bulletin! I find it an extremely useful tool to ensure you keep up with local events on a daily basis.
AGCC also host many really insightful and relevant events, which are well worth attending.