Just one minute, Mike Redshaw

In this the second of an occasional series of quick-fire profiles of the region's leading property players, we meet Mike Redshaw, director of chartered surveyors Nolan Redshaw.

Your first job: After going to an Army sixth form college I gained my commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant from Sandhurst at the age of 19 and within six months was on patrol in Andersonstown in Belfast. I have found the skills I gained in the Army invaluable in my business career and left the Army as a Captain having served around the world for seven years before going up to Cambridge University to read Land Economy.

Current job: I am co-director of Nolan Redshaw, an independent multi-disciplined firm of chartered surveyors, based in Manchester and specialising in development. I have been working in the property industry for over 16 years across a broad range of fields from agency and development to professional as well as providing strategic property advice to a number of PLC boards.

First deal: I remember it well, whilst working at Matthews & Goodman in Manchester; I let a small shop in Bolton for £5,000p.a.

Last deal: I am currently working on two multi-million pound food store developments in the North West and have just settled a rent review on a warehouse in Bolton at a rental of £250,000 p.a.

First car: I'll never forget it, an MG Midget! When I picked it up from a farm I realised it was also the former home of chickens, which were laying in the back. I bought it for the bargain price of £120 – a real steal!!

Current car: I am happy to say I have upgraded my wheels to a Volvo C70.

Best decision: Joining forces with Paul Nolan to form Nolan Redshaw back in 2004 was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made. As we near 2008 despite the tightening of the financial market, our specialised approach means that we are continuing to grow, working with major players in the property industry especially in the development field.

Worst decision: I made the mistake of placing a large amount of my Army savings on a sure-fire share five days before Black Monday in 1987.

Current projects: We are heavily involved in some large projects, assembling sites for food stores in the North West and North East as well as bringing forward some important potential new development sites and agency instructions. This is exciting work and uses the full range of our skills.

Five year plan: Further development of Nolan Redshaw as one of the leading property consultants in the North West with further emphasis on development work and some further growth in personnel from our current level of 10.