Robert Langmead founded Kingsbridge in 2004, growing it into a leading commercial developer in the south. As the company marks its 20th anniversary, Robert reflects on its evolution and future.
The idea of founding a property development company began as Robert was flying home from the Sydney 2003 Rugby World Cup. At the time, Robert was already established as a successful entrepreneur of Nature’s Way Foods and involved in the planning and construction of their factories. This led to his idea of setting up a small development team to consult for Natures Way Food and to support his growing property portfolio. So the business known as Kingsbridge was set up in 2004.
Over the next decade, Kingsbridge expanded with the recruitment of a professional team, and increased capital investment to become a developer and manager of real estate. The company’s ethos of being the ‘landlord of choice’ became a crucial principle that set Kingsbridge apart, inspired by Robert’s experiences with the supermarkets’ customer service focus both the UK and US.
Robert shares, “treating people with great respect, providing the building to their requirements and listening to their needs, we found that tenants stuck around, and wanted to renew their leases and often to take more space with us.” This principle continues to be central to Kingsbridge, evident in its recent recognition as Commercial Landlord of the Year at the South Coast Property Awards.
By 2018, Robert sought to enhance further growth by hiring CEO Chris Fry, an experience fund manager. “Chris brought in an even more professional team and engaged strategies to deal with bigger clients and partners. So this third phase of growth has seen the business focus and diversify,” Robert says.
Since then Kingsbridge has successfully completed various office and industrial projects, including an award-winning sustainable logistics scheme pre-let to Amazon, funded by £91 million in capital investment to create hundreds of jobs.
As founder and owner, Robert trusts Chris and the team to steer the company, supported by experienced Chairman Ian Playford. He believes a key entrepreneurial skill is knowing when to step back and empower others.
Kingsbridge prioritizes sustainability, exceeding expectations to set a benchmark for environmental responsibility. Robert envisions Kingsbridge as a trans-generational business, committed to responsible growth for years to come.
“We take a long-term approach to development and reinvest profits back into the business,” he explains, emphasizing the significance of natural capital, biodiversity, and reducing carbon use due to Kingsbridge’s farming roots.
Robert is excited to see Chris and the team carry forward this ethos into Kingsbridge’s next era.