Property People - as featured in the Yorkshire Post

David Hyams is director of commercial property at Ware & Kay Solicitors, based in the York office.

What are the prospects for the property sector in Yorkshire and Humber?

In the mid to long term, I am positive about the prospects for the property sector as the region has so much to offer.  We are obviously facing challenging times at the moment, particularly in the hospitality sector, but once we have got through to the other side, I am confident that there will be a release of pent-up demand and we shall soon be back on our feet again.

What is the best project you have been involved in?

In recent times it was acting for a landlord on the grant of a lease of 15,000 sq ft office unit to a large regional accountancy practice.  It was a complicated transaction involving 6 sets of solicitors and so there was an enormous sense of satisfaction when we crossed the line. Working with that many lawyers reinforced to me the importance of taking a collaborative approach to achieve the mutual goals of our respective clients.

What is your favourite building in the region and why?

With them forming the backdrop to our city centre offices in York, it has to be York’s city walls which are probably the best preserved medieval city walls in the country.  Being over 700 years old, which is slightly older than our 200-year-old law firm, you certainly feel surrounded by the presence of history and I do feel fortunate to look out at them from my desk every day.

If you could change one thing to improve the property industry in this region, what would it be?

I believe that improvements to the transport infrastructure would bring considerable benefits to the property industry.  The outer ring road to the North of York is a case in point.  The lengthy traffic jams resulting from it not being dualled has been a significant factor in many offices units up there standing empty for years.

Who has inspired you?

The dedication and hard work of my colleagues at all levels across the firm has always been a source of inspiration to me but this has been particularly the case during these past few months.  Times like this do bring out the best in people and the commitment and resilience they have shown during this period has made me proud to be part of the great team that we have at Ware & Kay.