Tell us about yourself Dad was a footballer [Rangers legend Jim Baxter] and mum was a model. But I play football like my mum, so I sell property for a living. I live in the west end of Glasgow, a city I'm passionate about. I have been involved in the regeneration of the city as a residential location ever since we acted for Metroloft's groundbreaking Todd building in 1997. We have sold around GBP500m worth of city apartments since then.
What are your main responsibilities?
I run all the new build development sales, investment and site acquisition at Slater Hogg and Howison. SHH is the BBC of property - everybody knows the company and has an opinion about it. It's been around for so long that it's part of the fabric of housemoving now. We have a team of around 30 very hungry sales professionals selling everything from new build mansions in Ayrshire to west end apartments.
What's keeping you busy at the moment?
I have some stunning new developments coming up next year. Many are in Glasgow, where the next challenge is to meet the needs of the younger, more costconscious buyer. However, that's difficult for developers, because land values are so high. I feel Glasgow has to fight harder to stay in a limelight dominated by Edinburgh - the real win would be to get two booming cities.
When it comes to property, what's your money on?
There are four big shifts underway. Firstly, the new Clyde bridge and the relocation of the BBC has promoted the River area, Glasgow Harbour and the Finnieston / Kelvingrove area. That part of Argyle Street has changed beyond all recognition. Secondly, redeveloping the Yoker to Clydebank corridor and linking it with the west end is going to be huge in the next five to 10 years - buying in the area is a fantastic investment. Thirdly, Ayrshire is very busy - it's a great investment thanks to the motorway. The final and most important shift will hinge on November 9 next year, when they announce the winner of the Commonwealth Games 2014 - we really need it. From a property viewpoint it would be a massive springboard for more investment.
What one thing above all sells a house?
Location, everyone knows that. Well, that and price.
If money was no object, where would you live?
I would love to say that no amount of money would tear me away from Scotland, but frankly it would be a GBP30m estate in St Jean Cap Ferrat in the south of France. And a sneaky cottage on Skye. If I got bored in France, a Trump flat in New York would be fine. Donald's latest development has 700 apartments in a tower overlooking the UN. Whenever people ask me whether there are too many flats being built in Glasgow, I think of that and realise that the city is actually just starting.
Slater Hogg and Howison Land & New Homes office, tel: 0141 204 0390.
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