Motorbikes, Jam Roly-Poly and free-thinking

Each month we interview one of our team to find out what makes them tick and get their  perspective on life at Moorgarth. We start with our CEO Tim Vaughan.

Why did you start Moorgarth?

I came to a fork in the road in my career in 2003 when I was working for EY. Should I stay in the big corporate environment or create something of my own. Tradehold, our parent company, offered me the opportunity to build my own property investment business, a long term ambition of mine giving me the freedom to create something a little bit different. At the time it was inevitably a risk but if I didn’t take the opportunity it may never come along again. I took the jump.

Where do you feel you make the biggest contribution at Moorgarth?

I’m the ideas man. Asset management angles, new business opportunities, new acquisitions. I have started 4 businesses since we set up: The property investment company, originally with £8m portfolio and now almost £300m under our asset management. An asset based lending business called Reward Capital, originally with a lending book of £500,000 and now with a book exceeding £75m. A serviced office business in the Boutique Workplace Company which now has 4,500 workstations in and around London. And a property management business.

If I can inspire the team to think laterally, innovatively and do everything to the best of their ability, we have a great business culture. Everybody’s opinions are valued. Perhaps I can be seen as aggressive when it comes to moving things forward. I’m naturally very competitive and driven so need to see progress.

What are key qualities a person needs to fit in with the Moorgarth culture?

A strong work ethic, dedication, honesty and clear communication. Free thinkers work well here. I want people to feel their ideas will always be valued. A good sense of humour helps too.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Never be afraid of employing someone brighter than you.

Why does the real-estate business suit you?

I genuinely love property. As a kid I would look at Estate Agents windows, know what was on the market and for how much. I enjoy exploring cities from cultural as well as an architectural and economic perspective. Older tired buildings and districts in cities offer an exciting challenge on how we get them into successful economic use.

What would you superpower be?

To fly!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Jam Roly Poly and Millionaires Shortbread. I’ve got a sweet tooth!

What’s your greatest fear?

Being buried alive is the worst thing I can think of.

 What would your perfect day involve?

A motorbike ride around the Yorkshire Dales in the morning, watching my kids play sport in the afternoon followed by a meal and a bottle of Gigondas outside with the family in the South of France. Involves a bit of travelling but could be possible.

What’s most important to you?

My family, without a doubt.

What might surprise others to know about you?

I’m actually quite musical. I played the trombone as a child until I was 18, taught myself guitar as a teenager and now I’m learning the piano. I love music. Oh and I ride a motorbike!

Finally, what’s the most important lesson that life has taught you?

I’ve got two. The first is: You never stop learning. The second: Always stay true to what you believe.