A day in the life of…
Josh McKenzie, Development Surveyor at The Ernest Cook Trust
Helping to host a visit from University of Cumbria students at the Trust’s Low Beckside Farm in Cumbria.
Outside our Court Farm head office during its refurbishment, Josh reads an excerpt from the book ‘Innovation & Conservation, Ernest Edward Cook and his Country Estates’ to staff on our Founder’s Day, September 2024.
As our Development Surveyor, Josh plays a key role in helping The Ernest Cook Trust make the most of its land and property assets. His work supports the generation of income that’s essential to funding our charitable work – providing Outdoor Learning experiences for young people across the country.
The positive and responsible ethos of the Trust helps to make the job he does particularly enjoyable for him. He describes the approach to his work, exploring development and land management opportunities to finance the Trust’s charitable aims, as “conscious commercialism”.
Working across all nine Trust-owned estates, Josh says no two days are the same.
I could be on-site at Little Dalby in Leicestershire, one day, and working on a project at Trent in Dorset the next. The goal is to deliver projects year on year successfully for all parties concerned.
His day might involve meeting planning consultants, architects or heritage specialists, reviewing potential developments, or joining Teams calls to coordinate projects. Back at his desk, he’s building financial models, writing reports, and assessing the viability and risk of proposals.
Since joining in August 2024, one of Josh’s key projects has been the future of the Trust’s former headquarters at Fairford. Now that staff have moved to Court Farm, Quenington, plans to redevelop the buildings are being explored. The current proposal includes four residential units, and five small office spaces for local businesses.
Josh is clear that success isn’t just about financial return:
It’s about creating places where people and nature can thrive symbiotically. The Trust’s focus on social benefit and environmental enhancements is something I really believe in. It’s development with purpose.
His work spans everything from individual property refurbishments to development projects and renewable energy initiatives. A key current focus is managing renewable energy proposals, for example the Welsh Way project near Fairford, where plans continue to progress for a 13-megawatt solar farm which has secured planning permission from Cotswold District Council.
Josh holds a degree in Real Estate Management from the University College of Estate Management. Before joining the Trust, he worked in commercial agency and asset management, and rural fibre broadband delivery. He’s now preparing for his RICS chartership, with the support of colleagues across the Land & Property team at the Trust.
His aim is to drive sustainable growth that aligns with the Trust’s values, and delivers a lasting positive impact on people, land and property.
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