60 second interview: Alec Watt

Monday 14th September 2009


What does it say on your business card? Alec Watt, Managing Director, Fully Furnished Group.

Where are you based? We cover the whole of the UK but spend a lot time in and around London. Our offices are in Staines, Middlesex.

What does your business do? We offer a range of furnishing solutions to the property industry, from interior design for show homes and individual properties to launch for sale or let, sale or rental, and installation of furniture packs throughout the UK. We also work with insurance companies to help provide emergency furnishings, and we’re members of the Association of Relocation Professionals.

How many people are there in it? 40 and growing.

How has the recession been for you? We have faced the brutal facts of the economic environment and, actually, it has provided us with a real opportunity to increase market share and to strengthen our results as competitors struggle to adapt to a changing market.

What lessons have you learnt from it? Whilst you have to accept that some things are out of your control, you can’t just give up. It’s up to you to work out how to make something happen.

How do you see your business in five years’ time?  Continuing the excellent progress we have made in being the first-choice furnishing supplier in the UK for the property industry.

What do you think about HIPs? Although they’re a good concept they’re poorly executed.

What do you think the housing market will do for the rest of this year? Shortage of supply will continue to be an issue, therefore there will continue to be a pressure on pricing. There is nothing that makes me think transaction levels will rise in the near future.

Who’s your property hero and why? Not sure if hero is the right word, but I do think that Jon Hunt got it about right. Firstly, in creating such an impact with Foxtons and then knowing the right time to get out.

Favourite night out? With my family and friends.

Last holiday? Surfing in Cornwall.

Strictly Come Dancing or X Factor? A tough choice, but X Factor.