After leaving Reigate Grammar School, Matt and I took very different paths. Matt went straight into the construction industry, honing his skills on the tools before establishing Stone and Brick Construction Ltd, a successful company specialising in masonry and groundwork for small and medium-sized contractors. My route was less direct. I worked in a few office roles, set up and ran a retail business, and then became a secondary school Business teacher - a career I pursued for over 15 years.

Despite our different directions, Matt and I stayed in touch and often spoke about the idea of going into property development together. For years, the timing never felt right, particularly as I spent two periods living abroad. But when I eventually decided to leave teaching, I joined Matt in his business, and that was when everything began to fall into place. We combined our skills - Matt’s practical expertise and industry contacts, and my organisational and project management strengths - and finally took the plunge into the property world by founding NEM.

Looking back, the influence of RGS is clear. The school instilled in us a strong work ethic, a sense of pride in our achievements, and the importance of high standards. At the same time, it encouraged us to be creative, to think differently, and to seize opportunities. Those values - resilience, confidence, and initiative - have been invaluable in shaping both my career and our business today.

At NEM, what makes us unique is our people-first approach. For investors, we offer a straightforward way to access the property market with fixed returns, without the time and effort of managing projects themselves. For property sellers, we provide tailored solutions that traditional buyers don’t necessarily consider. We can complete purchases quickly, sometimes in as little as 30 days, and our priority is always to ensure that sellers feel pleased with the outcome. Whether working with investors or sellers, our philosophy is simple: happy clients mean lasting relationships and a stronger reputation.

Of course, stepping into entrepreneurship hasn’t been without its challenges. Leaving the security of full-time employment and taking risks in a new direction was daunting. To minimise those risks, we invested in business mentors. Their knowledge, networks, and encouragement have been invaluable - a bit like continuing our education but with lessons that directly translate into real-world results.

Giving back to the community is something we care deeply about. That’s why we joined the Henry Smith Club, whose philosophy of widening access to RGS aligns with our own values. It feels important to support opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have them. As the business grows, we hope to expand our charitable efforts further, particularly in tackling issues like homelessness, which is close to our hearts.

For young people considering entrepreneurship, my advice is to start small and start early. A side hustle - even something modest - can teach lessons that stay with you for life. Never stop learning, whether through books, mentors, or experiences. Use every opportunity, including holidays, to try new things. Even if those experiences don’t seem directly relevant at the time, they’ll add to your skills and perspective in ways you’ll only appreciate later.

Looking ahead, NEM Development is currently focused on the residential market, but our ambition is to move into commercial property too. With the shift towards home working, office spaces are becoming redundant, and I see a huge opportunity in repurposing those buildings into much-needed homes. It’s a practical way to address the housing shortage while breathing new life into underused spaces.

Ed's and Matt's Top Tip

If I had one tip for anyone considering property development/investment, it would be this: don’t wait. People often say the best time to invest was decades ago, but the truth is, the next best time is now. If you have the opportunity, take it. And if you’re unsure how to start, find someone with experience, learn from them, and, if you can, collaborate to grow together.