Gerard Lemos

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Name: Gerard Lemos

York: 1976-1979

Degree: English and History

Company: Lemos&Crane

Website: www.lemosandcrane.co.uk

Briefly describe your career progression once you left York.

I took a gap year to india immediately after finishing university, and on my return I found work with ASRA Greater London Housing Association. I stayed with them for a number of years, before moving to Circle 33 Housing Association as Director of Development. I was very happy in that job for over 6 years, but as new laws and new working practices were established, which quite frankly made the job a chore, i decided to start my own consultancy, Lemos Associates.

What do you think are the key qualities you possess that have helped you?

You have to be good at the core business, such as identifying the product and getting it to market with a good return so you can invest in the next product. If you haven't got a good product, cant get it to market and cant get a good return, you haven't got a business.

Luck or planning?

Luck has definately played its part! I was in the right place at the right time, and political and social conditions were conducive to my interests and line of work. I managed to get into this area just as New Labour came to power, and my work was very much in-line with their agenda. All businesses require planning and structure though and I am here now thanks to a lot of hard work and some excellent colleagues.

What is your best advice to students at York looking to start their own enterprise?

If you lack the core business skills, then either find people who do or find something else to do. Also know your market and understand that the world changes and your business will have to move with it.