Robert Birch, better known as ‘Bob’ by his friends, family and team, has worked with us at Welling for over eight years. Bob is one of our five Partners and is responsible for our Southampton office, located on the outskirts of Romsey.
Day-to-day, Bob works closely with fellow Partners based in Southampton, London and Bristol and manages the strategic direction of the practice. He also reviews and implements new processes and procedures, leading our people and ensuring all of our client’s requirements are met or exceeded.
What’s your work background?
I had an unusual and somewhat unexpected start. During my A-levels, and unbeknownst to me, my parents wrote to many local companies (pretending to be me!) enquiring whether any professional apprenticeships would sponsor me through university.
A long story, very short, a local construction company responded and invited me to a meeting that week to outline the construction industry and what a Quantity Surveyor does. By the time I returned home, a message was left to say they had offered me a job as a Trainee QS with a four-year training programme and they would enrol me on a Quantity Surveying degree. It was a fantastic opportunity, and the training was exceptional.
I then moved to London in 2000 to work for a national developer where I also undertook a part-time master’s Degree and became Chartered (MRICS).
Starting a family brought me back down to the South Coast where I worked for regional contractors in senior commercial and then leadership roles, before joining Welling in 2016 and becoming a Partner in 2018.
What do you love about your job?
I truly enjoy my work. The reputation of the Practice is something that I am incredibly proud of, which has been obtained through hard work. It is fantastic being part of a team that facilitates housing which becomes people’s much-needed homes. Collaborating with a variety of professionals and helping our clients achieve their objectives provides a real sense of achievement.
Welling is a fantastic place to work and the desire to do the best for our clients and our people is what motivates us.
What was your first ever job?
My first job was a summer holiday ‘business’ with my best friend John. We set up a company we called ‘Avon Road Enterprises’ offering car washing. This then turned into gardening and grass cutting. We thought we were 13-year-old millionaires!
What are your hobbies?
I am a very keen runner, trying to get out 4 or 5 times a week, participating in Park Runs and competing in 3 or 4 events each year (10k). I also enjoy coffee with friends.
Do you have a claim to fame?
My children used to think (because I told them) that I had Father Christmas’s mobile number so every time they were bad, I would text him. I don’t actually have his number.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Coffee. Meeting friends for a leisurely weekend breakfast to just chat the morning away with a good brew.
And finally…What’s your ideal holiday?
Somewhere that I am always doing something, seeing something new. As long as I have time for coffee and to read at some point!
