My CEO story: Michael Boardman, MB&A Commerical
- Describe your company in three words or phrases
Small, knowledgeable, and effective. - What inspired you to start the company? Was there a particular moment that sparked the idea?
Working as a letting agent on behalf of the Bedford Estates, the principal landowner across the district of Bloomsbury in London. In the early 2000s it was obvious that the predominant presence in Bloomsbury was shifting from publishing to learning.
The draw of the University of London and Senate House was bringing an eclectic array of overseas universities and student programme providers to the negotiating table. I woke up one morning and thought, “They are more interesting.” - How would you describe your company’s mission in one sentence?
To break down the invisible (and quite frankly risible) barriers that exists between landlords and planning officers and the education fraternity of London. This will help to free up commercial opportunities to promote domestic and overseas based teachers looking to educate a global array of students in London. - How would your team describe you as a leader?
MB&A is a sole-practitioner consultancy. I join teams as and when to provide a property portal, or window, into the London commercial market. As a result, I am difficult to classify as “a leader” – however, I have a curious mind and an inviting nature. I enjoy meeting new people and looking to understand their role as well as corporate or institutional targets. So, as a leader to a team of one, I would say I’m a good listener with a lifetime of experience to draw from. - What’s one misconception about your part of the sector you’d love to correct?
The education sector underestimates the importance and effectiveness of a well-thought-out and executed property strategy. Owing to inherent resistances toward teaching spaces and the multitude of variables, as well as the need for constant scrutiny to identify opportunities, specialist market knowledge and a wide contact base are essential elements to any education based property search in London. - What keeps you energised outside of work?
Family, my classic cars, endless curiosity that leads to many hiking and sailing adventures, plus poor golf. - What advice would you give another founder entering the international education space?
As with any entity in any market, I’d advise getting to know the market. In London, the market is large and dynamic but it’s clearly definable and sufficiently contained to be rationalised. The market tendency is to stay in the mould. However, the Class F1 Education classification is a break away from the norm and a rare commodity that demands special treatment and attention. - If you could accomplish one big thing in the next year, what would it be?
To secure a campus in London for an Ivy League or maybe sail the UK coastline, if I can find the time.
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