This week Nick talks to Andrew Jones

Andrew led Metric Property Investments Plc as co-founder and CEO from its launch in March 2010 until its successful merger with London & Stamford in January 2013, when he took the helm as Chief Executive of the newly formed LondonMetric. His extensive real estate experience includes a pivotal role at British Land, where he served as Executive Director and Head of Retail after joining through the Pillar acquisition in 2005. As a Board member at British Land, he oversaw shopping centers and retail park portfolios. Currently, Andrew brings his expertise to InstaVolt, a leading electric vehicle charging network, as a Non-Executive Director. He previously served on the Board of Unite plc for six years as a Non-Executive Director.

In this episode, Nick and Andrew explore his career journey and insights into the real estate industry. Andrew shares how his early interest in investing led him to a career in commercial real estate, starting in the late 1980s during a recession. He discusses his experience working with major firms like British Land before founding London Metric Property in 2010. The conversation covers the evolution of retail, from high streets to retail parks, the impact of online shopping, and the importance of understanding consumer behaviour. Andrew also explains LondonMetric’s focus on resilient sectors like logistics, convenience retail, healthcare, entertainment and leisure, along with their asset management strategy, including “triple net” leases and tenant mix optimisation.

Looking ahead, Andrew shares his perspective on growth opportunities through acquisitions and strategic mergers while maintaining a focus on the UK market. He highlights the challenges of high street retail compared to retail parks and discusses LondonMetric’s approach to income generation and long-term investing.

Andrew's book choices where:
Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/barbarians-at-the-gate-book-bryan-burrough-9780099469155
The Predators' Ball by Connie Bruck
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31852760243
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/big-short-book-michael-lewis-9781846142574
Adventures in Time: Nelson, Hero of the Seas by Dominic Sandbrook
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Time-Nelson-Hero-Seas/dp/0241552214/

Andrew's podcast choices where:
We Study Billionaires - The Investor’s Podcast Network
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-study-billionaires-the-investors-podcast-network/id928933489

Acquired with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acquired/id1050462261

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A Different Perspective with Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric Property