We love a good back story – the why behind the what if you will. And we thought it about time to introduce you to Co-Founder and Director of Postland Developments, Brent Warner.
If you’re curious as to how this started, what really goes into a Postland home, what it takes and what it’s taken, read on:
What made you want to get into property development?
Ever since my dad took me to work, I had a passion for building. My dad was a bricklayer with a tremendous work ethic and someone who strived to make sure the job was done properly. He invested these same values in me by taking me to work with him from a very early age. This was usually at the weekends, but sometimes, as I got older, he would let me have time off school so I could go to work with him. I loved it and couldn’t wait to leave school so I could work full time.
Inevitably the day came when I left school at 16 years old and I went to work with my dad full time. We mainly worked for a larger house builder like Barratts, although occasionally we would build an individual home for someone. As time went on, I wanted to start my own business and branched out when I completed my apprenticeship.
My first job was to build a small extension at the back of a car battery shop. Although I was inexperienced in business, I put my heart and soul into it and made a profit, despite the fact the owner decided to short-change me at the end! I moved on from this and carried out extensive house refurbishment works and also started my own joinery manufacturing business.
Eventually, and deliberately, I moved into speculative housebuilding. The first one being in Bow, East London. I was living in Peterborough at the time so it was quite a challenge! We grew from there carrying out small developments but never losing sight of ensuring the job was done properly.
How many years have you been in this industry?
I left school at 16 and apart from the year I had to work for a carpet fitter due to a severe recession, I have worked in the building industry for 43 years.
How did Postland Developments start?
Postland came about as a result of procuring parcels of land from individual landowners: 13 in total, off a road in Crowland called Postland Road. The name seemed appropriate as we try to have some connection with where a particular development is to take place. In this case a 24-plot development called Victory Gardens.
What does a typical day look like as a director?
My days are spent looking for solutions to the constant challenges that arise. I have to be thinking forward on several fronts at any one time, from land assembly to design, planning and eventually financing the developments to seeing them through to conclusion.
What do you find most challenging about this industry?
Planning is a big challenge. It’s becoming more difficult and time consuming to obtain planning permission and thus more expensive.
What’s coming up with Postland that you’re excited about?
We have several schemes coming online, but the ones that really excite me are the bespoke developments that we have coming up. I love the individuality we are able to bring out in them, making them really special places and homes for people to not only live in, but to enjoy living in them.
