A week in the life... Imad Ali

Imad Ali, chief executive of North East-based Aykley Group, whose portfolio includes Pimlico Homes and Aykley Developments, provides an insight into his typical working week, highlighting how he balances commercial sector demands with life outside the office.

Monday: What gets you motivated for the start of the working week?

Monday is all about momentum.

I like to start by looking across every live project and deciding where my focus will have the biggest impact over the coming days.

At the moment, that could mean reviewing plans for our five luxury barn conversions at Brocksbushes Farm, near Corbridge, or discussing the next stage of our soon-to-be-built homes in Darras Hall.

They’re very different developments for our Pimlico Homes business, but both reflect our ambition to create exceptional places to live.

Tuesday: The diary is full of meetings and commitments – how do you balance such responsibilities with productivity?

No two Tuesdays are ever the same.

I might be sitting down with architects refining designs for our luxury homes, meeting our development team on site or working through the finer details that elevate a good scheme into a great one.

Alongside Pimlico Homes, we’re also growing Aykley Developments, which is focused on larger-scale opportunities, particularly in the build-to-rent sector.

That’s brought some exciting conversations around our plans for the former AA building on Newcastle Quayside, where we’ve submitted proposals to create what we believe will be the city’s most luxurious build-to-rent development.

Projects like that involve countless meetings with consultants, planners, investors and advisers, but that’s all part of turning an ambitious vision into reality.

Wednesday: Halfway there – how do you stay focused and re-energise yourself for the days ahead?

By Wednesday, it’s usually about checking progress and making sure everything is moving in the right direction.

Development is all about solving problems and making decisions, so staying close to the team is really important.

I also make time for the gym during the week.

It’s one of the few opportunities I get to switch off mentally, even if it’s only for an hour, and I always come back feeling more focused.

Thursday: The weekend draws closer – how do you remain on top of your to-do list as the end of the week gets nearer?

Thursday is often when the week takes an unexpected turn.

New opportunities come in, meetings get added and priorities change, so being adaptable is part of the job.

I enjoy looking at potential new sites and thinking about what’s next for the group.

Whether that is through Pimlico Homes or Aykley Developments, we’re always looking ahead to the next project.

Friday: The last day – how do you approach Fridays, and how do you unwind over the weekend?

Fridays are about taking stock.

I like to review what we’ve achieved, make sure any outstanding decisions are made and set the business up for the following week.

I’ll also check in on bookings at The Sanctuary Knocker, our luxury boutique aparthotel in the heart of Durham, which opened a few months ago and is proving very popular.

I’m not very good at switching off, but weekends are different.

Spending time with my seven-year-old son is when work takes a back seat.

Whether we’re out exploring or just enjoying time together, it’s the one part of the week that’s purely about family.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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