John Whetstone

Personal Information (hobbies etc.)
I play guitar, enjoy travelling and languages, and follow most motor sports. Moving house
seems to have also become a hobby.

What attracted you to Countryside Properties PLC?
I originally applied for the Graduate Programme partly because of the further academic and professional training that was offered, but more importantly because there is a structured and assessed approach to that training.

How would you describe Countryside as an employer?
Committed - When you start with Countryside, especially as a Graduate, it is clear that they immediately start to invest in your professional future. For myself this included further academic qualifications specific to my chosen career path, and a tailored programme of placements to ensure that I was well equipped to start my management career at the end of the programme. The training has continued throughout my professional career development with Countryside.

Name five things you do as part of your day-to-day job?
1. Appraise new land and development opportunities.
2. Liaise with commercial teams to develop financial analysis of new sites.
3. Appoint a team of consultants to provide all required design work including architectural, engineering, landscaping, Mechanical and Electrical, etc.
4. Appoint and then manage remediation consultants and contractors to deliver clean land parcels to our construction team.
5. Hold team meetings to ensure all internal and external team members are completing the project on programme and to budget.

What are the best parts about working for Countryside Properties PLC?
There is a great feeling of community at Countryside, which started as a family owned company and has always strived to keep that identity.

What do you aspire to?
Managing Director of Countryside Properties' Yorkshire region when we get over that way!