Property veteran joins TPT board

Date posted: 14th December 2021

Property expert, Simon Curtis has just joined the board of Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT).

Simon Curtis qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1980 and has spent most of his career in the commercial property sector.  He was a partner at the global commercial property firm, Cushman and Wakefield, before joining Thomas Pocklington Trust to manage its property portfolio almost 13 years ago.

The first employee to transition to the board, Simon joins ten other trustees.  He said: “Having direct knowledge of our portfolio, and the property world in general, allows me to provide insights on this and ensure we make the best use of the resources we have available.

“I have enjoyed working for TPT and am very honoured and excited to continue to be actively involved in this.  Our property portfolio is fundamental to our work as this provides the income for TPT to deliver its charitable activities including grants and direct services to support blind and partially sighted people live the lives they want to lead.”

 

Mervyn Williamson, Chair of the board at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “We absolutely value Simon’s advice and extensive knowledge on all things property and were keen not to lose this when he announced his retirement a few months ago.  I am delighted he accepted our invitation to join the board and will continue to provide strategic direction, particularly on our property portfolio.

“Our trustees make a vital contribution to our work giving us their expertise and time on a voluntary basis for which we are incredibly grateful.”

Thomas Pocklington was a jeweller-turned-property developer who, after a period of temporary sight loss, bequeathed a large proportion of his estate to found Thomas Pocklington Trust.  This legacy, made in 1935, is the property portfolio from which the charity still derives its income.

Born in Birmingham, Simon moved to London at a young age and now lives in Kent with his wife. He has four children and four grandchildren.