PROPERTY expert Richard Flanagan plays an active role in York's business community, representing the property sector on a wide range of boards and organisations.

Born in Leeds, Mr Flanagan has lived in York for more than 40 years, and is a chartered surveyor with in excess of 25 years experience.

He founded his own York-based consultancy Flanagan James in September 2012, in a move which saw him leave his role as partner at commercial property agency and development consultancy Lawrence Hannah, where he had worked since 2001. Prior to Mr Flanagan worked at Sanderson and DTZ in York.

Through his business Mr Flanagan specialises in dealing with business and retail space, providing development consultancy advice on topics including site acquisition, development feasibility, marketing, business relocation, and strategic disposal of property assets.

A former president of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Mr Flanagan also acts as an expert witness, as well as handling listed building acquisitions and disposals, and business sales and transfers.

Alongside running his business, and providing advice to a wide range of clients including individuals, pension funds, developers, property companies and the public sector, Mr Flanagan holds a number of wider roles.

As of November last year, he is a board member of Yorkshire Housing, a director of York Science Park, a leadership group member of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and steering group member for York Property Forum.

Mr Flanagan is also a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors APC assessor, which see him take the role of an examiner in the final qualification process, determining whether candidates are competent to practice as chartered surveyors.

Previous roles held by Mr Flanagan include director of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, member of the York Conservation Area Advisory Panel, and member of the York Economic Partnership.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"Professional Tour Golfer – getting to travel the world and play fantastic courses."

Greatest achievement?

"Setting up my own property consultancy business."

What makes you most angry?

"When political egos get in the way of business."

Biggest mistake?

"Not setting up Flanagan James sooner."

What do you need to make life complete?

"Nothing – life is good the way it is!"

Why do you make a difference?

"Because I am an enthusiastic practitioner of the 'do it right or don’t do it at all' doctrine."

Epitaph

"He lived a life not dull

And had fun a plenty.

His glass was always half full

And never half empty."