My BE Career: Chris Renshaw
Published on BE News on 8 July 2024
The co-founder and director of The Momentum, Chris Renshaw, on how he got started in the industry, his biggest challenges, and his advice for people getting started in property.
Name: Chris Renshaw
Job title: Director and co-founder, The Momentum Group
What I do: I’m co-founder and board director at The Momentum Group, a Liverpool-based property business that operates four trading companies – Advise, Build, Manage and Maintain.
Why I got into the property industry: By accident! I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with myself, but while studying for A levels I went to see an uncle who was a QS. When I saw what he did, I thought it was something that looked interesting, particularly as it was a professional job that wasn’t just being stuck behind a desk 9-5. And he had a brand-new company car, a Ford Sierra, that was very mid-80s and impressive to a young student!
How I did it: I applied for a job as a trainee QS with a number of local contractors and was lucky enough to land a role that I started the day after my last A level exam. I was enrolled on to a part time QS degree course, which in those days took five years to complete, so in effect I was going through a professional apprenticeship, at uni for a day and then at work for four, gaining a huge amount of practical experience.
My first proper job: During sixth form I worked part time at a video rental shop. Remember those? I got to watch most films before they went out on hire. If I ever enter Mastermind, my specialist subject is likely to be ‘Movies of the 1980s’.
My first big break: I don’t think there has been one big break that I would select more than any others. I have been extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work on many great projects with great people.
My inspiration(s): In the property world I would have to say Steve Morgan of Redrow. I was lucky enough to work for Redrow Construction in the early 90s and it was clear what an inspirational leader and businessman he was – and still is. He built Redrow from nothing to a company worth billions. In the wider world, my family. We all have to have a ‘why’ and for me it’s my wife and two daughters. They continue to amaze me every day and I’m so proud of them, and they inspire me to do the best I can at work.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in a number of mega-projects, but the most challenging was Heathrow T2, where I worked with the commercial team to deliver the retail and restaurant concessions. Airport construction and fit out takes some adapting to. It was hard work, but hugely rewarding.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: For me, the immediate moment before customers enter a new store or retail development for the first time is very rewarding and I never get tired of it. It’s when one can stand back and see the development at its very best. Sometimes weeks, months or even years of hard work result in an environment to be visited and enjoyed. Such an example was the Paradise Project for Grosvenor, now Liverpool ONE, where we delivered a best-in-class scheme in super-quick time due to the added programme pressure of the 2008 Capital of Culture award. Over 15 years later, it stands out as a development of quality.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s not for everyone. In my view it doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from, there’s a career for you in property.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Pace – or lack of. So many aspects of the property world get bogged down and with a lack the pace to get things done to everyone’s advantage. It’s why our company is ‘Momentum’ and wherever we can that’s what we introduce to our clients’ programmes, developments and assets.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Cliff Williams and Phil Rudd.
What I do in my downtime: I don’t get much! Family comes first, but I also try to improve my guitar playing, and follow Everton FC. Both are as frustrating as each other.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Not sure. Possibly a superstar DJ!
My advice for someone just starting out: There’s no such thing as a daft question. So, ask it.
My motto/mantra: Do what you enjoy. If you’re not enjoying it, do something else.
