Pratik Shah

Personal Information (hobbies etc.)
I have a keen interest in music and events. I enjoy all sorts of sports, from football to badminton, skydiving to juggling with fire! Travelling is a must (I am a geographer)! The plan is to reach all continents at some point in my life - five down, two to go! Other than that I love to socialise as much as possible and I do community/charity work from time to time.

What attracted you to Countryside Properties PLC?
The first attraction was a few years ago when I joined the Company in 2003 on the Work Experience Programme. The Graduate Management Training Programme that I have recently joined allows me to learn the ropes whilst also continuing my studies with the aim of achieving a Masters degree and being professionally qualified (with the RICS). Countryside offers a supportive environment filled with opportunity to work hard and show your worth.

How would you describe Countryside as an employer?
Friendly, supportive and loyal to its staff. Training is a key component of improving the Company and its staff and I appreciate the efforts it goes to, to ensure that it can get the best out of me.

Name five things you do as part of your day-to-day job?
1. Current projects - anything from managing sub-contractors on site to dealing with residents and their concerns.
2. Forthcoming projects - anything from looking at accessibility issues into sites to managing leases.
3. Getting out and about to see the sites that I am managing. This is the only way to get a true insight into what is necessary for that site.
4. Meetings with architects, planners and other consultants.
5. Financial and budgets - appraising land values, updating forecasts and managing current project budgets.

What are the best parts about working for Countryside Properties PLC?
The people in the Company make it an exciting, interesting and stimulating environment. With such a wealth of experts in so many different fields within the Company, there is always someone to get good advice from. The Graduate Programme allows you to meet a good number of people and there is always direct contact with the Directors and Managing Directors of the subsidiary you are in.

What do you aspire to?
I hope to complete the Masters degree that I am currently undertaking which will assist in my everyday work as well as with my professional qualification with the RICS. After that, and after finishing the Graduate Programme, I look forward to continuing my career with Countryside.