Why I swapped financial consultancy for life at Inspired Villages
Here Damien, our Director of Real Estate Analysis, tells us why he's never looked back...
"At Inspired Villages, I lead a team that provides financial modelling and commercial insight for a range of business-critical strategic projects. I’m also a member of the Investment Committee, where I help review and challenge investment proposals.
Moving from consultancy to Inspired Villages has proven to be a great decision. I joined the business in 2018 when it had only been operating for one year. This gave me the opportunity to contribute to the business’ development from an early stage, and I was able to really make the role my own."
Growth backed by investment and driven by a collaborative culture
"I was also drawn to the massive growth potential of the Integrated Retirement Community sector in the UK – potential that can be seen in the backing we have from highly regarded investors like Legal & General and the NatWest Group Pension Fund. They’ve formed a joint venture and committed to invest £500m to develop 34 Inspired Villages retirement villages. In the six years since I joined, the business has grown significantly in terms of operational villages, under-construction and pipeline sites, as well as the number of colleagues in the business.
We’re a really collaborative and strategic organisation. Despite our growth and success, we’ve managed to retain a real family feel. I get on well with my colleagues and we go out of our way to help each other. Each year, Inspired’s People & Culture team run an awards ceremony to recognise colleagues from across the business – I was delighted (and surprised!) to win an award in the inaugural ceremony."
A role at the heart of the business
"Working in financial modelling at Inspired Villages puts you at the heart of the business. You work with senior colleagues from different departments, quickly developing a deep understanding of how the entire business works – while getting real exposure to the Board. It’s rewarding to see the output from my team directly informing key strategic business decisions, and I’m proud to have played a key role in the roll-out of many initiatives, including our rental and part exchange offerings."
Every day brings new challenges and rewards
"For me, there’s no such thing as a typical day. My team and I work on a wide range of strategic and operational projects. One day I might meet with colleagues to develop a new business initiative, then review an important financial model. The next day, I could be writing investment papers for the Board.
I’ve found working at Inspired Villages rewarding on multiple levels. Our work directly impacts the growth and success of the business, and that’s a real point of pride. Beyond that, it’s also fulfilling to work towards solving some of the major issues in the UK today. By building retirement communities, we provide excellent and age-appropriate accommodation for people in their later years, and our focus on wellbeing helps to make these years healthier too. At the same time, when customers move to our villages, it results in housing opening up for families."
Inspired to join us?
We’re currently looking for a Financial Modelling Manager to join our expanding Real Estate analysis team. So if you’re looking for a career that’s rewarding on a personal and professional level, find your place at Inspired Villages.