Olympia developer: Britain’s planning system doesn’t reward delivery
Each week, we dig into the memory bank of the great and good. Today, property hotshot John Hitchcox tells us about his career, from doing up flats in his twenties to now leading the £1.3bn regeneration of Olympia London in Square Mile and Me
CV
- Name: John Hitchcox
- Job title: Founder and chairman of YOO Group
- Previous roles: Co-founder of Manhattan Loft Corporation
- Age: 64
- Born: Christchurch
- Lives: London and the Cotswolds
- Studied: Business and marketing – but most of my education came from building companies
- Talents: Trying hard
- Motto: Create places that people love
- Biggest perk of the job? Watching an idea become part of a city’s fabric
- Coffee order: Cortado
- Cocktail order: I don’t drink alcohol, but I’ll happily have sparkling water
- Favourite book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
What was your first job?
I’ve always enjoyed working. Like most people, I started with Saturday jobs, paper rounds caddying, petrol pumps. I quickly realised I was more interested in creating businesses than working in them. By my early twenties I was buying and renovating small properties, and I’ve never really stopped.
What was your first role in property?
I started with tiny houses in London that I converted into flats. Every project was a lesson because I couldn’t afford to get things wrong. Those early years taught me that property isn’t just about buildings, it’s about understanding finance, design, marketing and, above all, people.
When did you know you wanted to build a career in real estate?
I didn’t ever set out to build a career in property. I wanted to create places. Property led me into design, which led me into branding and then hospitality, and today YOO creates destinations globally. The buildings have changed, but the ambition hasn’t.
What’s one thing you love about Canada?
Its optimism. For centuries, ambitious people have come to London to build businesses, take risks and reinvent themselves. That spirit remains, and it’s one of the reasons London continues to outperform many other global cities.
And one thing you would change?
I’d make it much easier to build. Britain needs more homes, investment and better workplaces, but our planning system too often rewards delay over delivery. If we want growth, we must back those prepared to create it. Beyond this, we need to create the optimal economic environment, celebrate entrepreneurship and invite businesses to our country.
What’s been your most memorable day on the job?
Walking around Olympia before the redevelopment began. You could see the extraordinary 140-year history, but you could also see its future. Helping transform one of London’s great landmarks into a new destination for culture, entertainment, hospitality and business has been one of the great privileges of my career.
And any business faux pas?
Hundreds! Early in my career I thought leadership meant having all the answers. Age has taught me that it’s about asking the right questions and surrounding yourself with people who are better than you.
What’s been your proudest moment?
I’m incredibly proud of building YOO into a British brand recognised around the world. I’m equally proud of projects like Olympia and The Lakes by YOO because they aren’t simply developments, they’re places that become part of people’s lives.
And who do you look up to?
My father was an architect and, although I never met my grandfather, he was a builder. I’d like to think I inherited some of his DNA. One represented imagination, the other craftsmanship, and I’ve spent my career trying to bring those two qualities together.
What’s been your favourite project to work on?
That’s like asking me to choose a favourite child. YOO changed the way people think about branded living. Olympia is helping write the next chapter of London. The Lakes by YOO has allowed us to bring together nature, design and hospitality in a way that’s completely different. Each one reflects a different stage of my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Think big. Stay humble. Most people underestimate what’s possible with determination.
And the worst?
“Stay in your lane.” If I’d listened, I would never have moved from property into design, branding, hospitality and now placemaking. The interesting opportunities nearly always sit just outside your comfort zone.
Are you optimistic for the year ahead?
Very. I’m optimistic by nature. London remains one of the world’s great cities and Britain produces extraordinary entrepreneurs and creative talent. If we become a little bolder about welcoming investment and encouraging development, the future is incredibly exciting.
We’re going for lunch, and you’re picking – where are we going?
The Libertine in The Royal Exchange.
And if we’re grabbing a drink after work?
I would go for great views – Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat has to be one of the very best. A clever choice of property and placemaking for the area.
Where’s home during the week?
London. It’s one of the world’s great capital cities, and despite travelling constantly, there’s nowhere I’d rather base myself.
And where might we find you at the weekend?
Usually at The Lakes by YOO in the Cotswolds with my family. Walking, thinking and trying to switch off. Ironically, that’s when the next business idea normally arrives.
You’ve got a well-deserved two weeks off. Where are you going and who with?
Somewhere beautiful with my wife Phoebe and the family. I love architecture and cities, but after a lifetime of creating places, I appreciate nature more than ever. Somewhere with mountains, lakes or the sea, a good book and no meetings is about perfect.