7th February 2025
Written by Rachel Wallace
So Matt, 10 years at Robinsons, what first brought you to Robinsons?
My dad grew up drinking in Robinsons pubs, and having been born and raised in Stockport myself, Robinsons was a name I had always known. I had previously worked with Duncan [Senior Designer] and Nick [Property Investment Manager] in another practice, and at the time, I was looking to relocate back home from London. A chance phone call with Nick led to an opportunity - Robinsons were looking for an Architectural Technologist, which was my role at the time. That conversation led to a meeting with John Riley, Director of Property at Robinsons, and here I am 10 years later.
What were you doing before you started at Robinsons?
Before joining Robinsons, I had spent 10 years at Allison Pike Architects & Designers, a firm we still work with today. My experience has been mainly in hospitality design, working on hotels, pubs, and bars, before moving into quick-service restaurants.
What aspects of your role have you found most testing?
Some projects come with moving goals, which often leads to last-minute challenges. Larger schemes, in particular, can be complex and multifaceted, requiring careful management and coordination. When working with older, listed properties, there’s an entire set of unique challenges to navigate. The pressure to respond quickly while managing budgets, contractors, and expectations can be intense. It’s about finding a balance and communicating effectively with the business to keep things on track without causing unnecessary disruptions.
Following that, what aspects of the job make it more enjoyable or manageable?
I think one of the key factors that makes the job less stressful is working in such a great environment with a great team around me. The wider business plays a big role in this too—everyone is accessible, friendly, and always willing to help. It creates a supportive atmosphere where you can easily reach out for advice or assistance, which can help make a place much less stressful place to work.
Over the years, you’ve likely tackled some challenging projects—can you share one that really tested your skills and expertise?
One of the most challenging projects I worked on was the George III at Penmaenpool in 2019. It was a tough building, and I took on a dual role as both the Architectural Technologist and the Project Manager. There were many challenges; the building was old and dilapidated, we had tight budgets, and we were working through the winter with terrible weather. The project's location was far from the office which also made things more difficult. It felt like everything that could go wrong, did, but we got there in the end.
Another major challenge was the Tempest Arms in Skipton. This was one of the largest the business has delivered. That was a huge undertaking, with plenty of moving parts, and it certainly tested me on many levels. There was so much to get involved in, but it was rewarding to see it through.
Looking back on your time at Robinsons, is there a particular moment that stands out where you felt especially proud of your work?
I’m really proud to have played a key role in some of the larger projects delivered to our Managed and Pub Partnership teams. Being an integral part of the development and shaping how we approach these schemes has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just my contribution, but about the collective effort of the wider team that makes these projects successful.
The Tempest project is one I’m particularly proud of. There was so much involved, with extensive planning that took about two and a half years before we even set foot on site. A lot of people were involved—from consultants to contractors and securing planning permission. In the end, we delivered something that has had a significant impact on the business, and it’s been performing really well.
Is there anyone in particular that inspires your work, either inside of Robinsons or externally?
My director and manager, John Riley, has been an invaluable mentor over the past 10 years, guiding me through my progression from Architectural Technologist to Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, and to a client representative role. I have a great deal of respect for John, and his guidance has played a significant role in shaping my career.
How have the changes in the property industry influenced the way you work?
Recent changes in the property industry, particularly around rising costs, have certainly influenced the way we work. We've had to be much more meticulous with our cost planning, ensuring that everything is tightly managed and robust. It's crucial to stay mindful of the challenges our Pub Partners may face, as even what may seem like a small cost can have a significant impact on the viability of their business. As a team, it's important that we understand how cost implications can affect other areas of the business and the challenges that can arise as a result.
What makes working at Robinsons in the property department so enjoyable for you?
What I enjoy most about working at Robinsons in the property department is the amazing team we have. The people here are fantastic, and it’s clear that everyone is committed for the long term. There’s a real sense of continuity, and we’re all aligned in working towards the same common goal.
We also have great support from the directors, William and Oliver, being present and actively involved, which makes a huge difference. One of the things we consistently hear from contractors is how well we manage our pub refurbishments. We take a detailed and precise approach, ensuring every project is executed to the highest standard for our pubs. It’s really fulfilling to be part of a team that consistently works together to deliver high-quality projects. We do all of this with our customers in mind, ensuring they have a memorable experience. We also work closely with our Pub Partners, understanding their vision and goals, and making sure each refurbishment reflects their unique identity while meeting their operational needs.
Finally, what projects are you most looking forward to working on this year?
At the Bulls Head in Hale Barns, we’ve got planning permission for a new-build lodge to add extra accommodation. We are also preparing for a full refurbishment of the Wilbraham Arms in Alsager, which is a significant investment. In April, we’ll start a ground-floor refurbishment at the Broadoak in Ashton. There are plenty of really exciting projects ahead to look forward to!
