Champion of the Week
Meet our Champion of the Week: Tom Wragg, Director, FHP Property Consultants
I am Tom Wragg, Director of FHP Property Consultants, primarily dealing with leasing, sales and acquisitions for retail and leisure premises in Derbyshire. I also undertake lease renewals and rent reviews covering a much wider geographical area.
What is your organisation looking forward to?
The retail and leisure sector is currently challenging, but this year feels positive. Both regional and national operators seem more active, and I’m optimistic this will filter through to more deals being done.
What makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire a good place to work?
I think the inward investment being made in the area is incredibly positive. What we are seeing in Chesterfield and in places like Clay Cross and Mastin Moor makes this a really exciting location. Access to the Peak District is also a real benefit.
Who has provided advice or mentoring and how has it helped your organisation?
It would be unfair to pick a single person out as I’ve benefited from the mentoring of so many people in my time here. At FHP, we have a really broad spectrum of talent throughout the commercial property industry as well as age ranges. On one hand, I have benefited from the collective years of experience and wisdom of older surveyors, but on the other have the younger generation coming through, showing real energy and keeping me connected to innovations in culture and technology.
How are you supporting young people?
FHP has always given opportunities to young people and invested in developing young talent. Over the last few years, we have seen a number of surveyors come through the apprenticeship route. This allows them to complete their studies at the same time as getting real-world surveying experience, with the end result being a really complete package that adds value to the business.
How are you supporting our communities and improving our quality of life?
In working with our clients to secure the best tenants for their properties, whether it’s bringing retailers to the high streets or placing businesses in office and industrial units, the work we do has a very real impact on communities as we are part of the infrastructure that allows them to operate and create opportunities.
What experiences would you recommend sharing in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and why?
You simply can’t visit Chesterfield and North Derbyshire without visiting Chatsworth House and the stunning scenery that surrounds it. It really has something for everyone.
What does being a Chesterfield Champion mean to your organisation and how do you actively promote our town?
Being a Chesterfield Champion is something we are really proud of at FHP. We enjoy seeing, and being a part of, the ongoing progress of the town and surrounding areas. Our job as commercial property consultants isn’t just to sell property in isolation, as property doesn’t exist in isolation. The old saying goes “location, location, location”, and it holds true – our job is to present Chesterfield in its best light to people who might not otherwise be aware.
What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
As a retail and leisure agent, I want to see a vibrant and thriving town centre with a strong mix of independent and national retailers, cafés, bars and restaurants. I’m optimistic about the future, and I believe the projects that have already been delivered, are currently underway, or are being planned will play a significant role in achieving that vision. In my experience, however, creating a truly resilient town centre also requires a strong office presence.
FHP Property Consultants is among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
