The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices. Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home. This month we’re meeting Alex Tomlinson, Commercial Property Solicitor – Energy Real Estate
The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices.
Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home.
This month we’re meeting Alex Tomlinson, Commercial Property Solicitor – Energy Real Estate
Can you tell us a little bit about your work at Davies and Partners Solicitors
Sure, Davies and Partners Solicitors is a national law firm with 5 offices; based in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Gloucester, and Devon.
The firm built has an excellent reputation as a leading law firm acting for national housing developers for around 30 years. Whilst the focus has continued on property, we’ve also established a national reputation for medical negligence and as primary legal support for a national utility company. We have diversified into the full spread of legal services.
I am leading the Energy Department which was established last year in response to the growing demand for energy services. This demand is set to increase exponentially as we approach the Net Zero target by 2035.
Describe your average day.
I have a 1 year old and a 5 year old so my day starts early. Once I get into the office, it can feel like lunchtime so – coffee – check emails – coffee – check meetings – coffee – and check-in with the wider team… In reality, not quite that much coffee but feels needed.
So, my average day depends on the pressures of each of my clients’ transactions. I can be reviewing a commercial lease for a premises here in Marylebone, then advising on securing EV charge points for a premises in Manchester, then drafting land documents around gas infrastructure in the South West.
When not working from home, I am very fortunate to be able to exit the office early so I can get home for bath/bedtime for my children, and then log back in again in the evening. So, you may see me bolting out the door from our office to Waterloo Station (to squeeze in some exercise) to catch my train back to Hampton.
How did you get to where you are today?
So, for most of my education, I was not particularly interested in academics. I enjoyed the outdoors and was part of an unfortunate cohort at my secondary school that were subject to an initiative to mix ability in the core subjects … an idea I believe they quickly scrapped – probably following the collective results…
A-levels and a degree were motivated primarily because I had no idea what I wanted to do.
I did have a certain intrigue regarding law. I think because I am a bit of a geek at heart. So, managed to arrange some work experience in a London law firm in their commercial property department. I clearly remember thinking whilst on that placement – how could anyone not like this… I was then hooked.
I secured a training contract in Cornwall, where I met my wife, got married, and she was offered a job working for UCL here in London. We moved to London. Spent a number of years working exclusively on grid scale energy projects for a large corporate law firm in the City. Now I’m building an energy department here at Davies and Partners.
How has Covid-19 impacted your organisation?
I am fortunate that Covid had very little impact on my work. Pre-Covid I worked from home periodically so, when the Government made the announcement to work from home, I merely continued as usual but based permanently from home. The workload, if anything, intensified.
It did mean I’ve been able to be more present here at home which has been very welcome all round.
It has also meant that clients are sometimes, during Teams calls, entertained by an inquisitive 1 year old or a 5 year old with a desire for a wider audience…
What do you like most about being based on Harley Street?
Having worked in the City, and explored most of London, Marylebone is the best part London. Put simply, it’s just the vibe. The people, the cafes, the businesses, the culture.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Harley Street Area?
This area must stay current. Otherwise, there is a risk that businesses and occupants vote with their feet.
Post-Covid, working practices appear to have changed for good. Also, financial institutions are increasing recognising Environmental Social Governance (ESG) as significant when assessing businesses – so the area has to compete with a changing and more ESG aware economy to thrive.
I hope that this area can become a pioneer of sustainability as it is uniquely placed to offer a unified front in this regard.
How does the Harley Street BID support your business?
The BID is a force for good – both on a street level and on a business development level. It’s aiming to create a community in what sometimes feels like a busy shipping lane with all the boats passing at night.
How could a visitor to the area spend their time here?
I would recommend walking down roads near the high street. There are some incredible businesses. From shops selling amazing mugs to artisan bakeries to top end estate agents – showcasing the incredible properties available here.
Any particular recommendations or hidden gems?
My recommendation would be to just go and see whatever is on at Wigmore Hall. I’ve been blown away by the talent.
If you could describe the Harley Street area in three words, what would they be?
Vibrant, Alternative, Affluent
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