This month we feature Chris Harvey head of UK Real Estate at Mayer Brown.

Hi Chris, as head of UK Real estate how would you characterise the service Mayer Brown aim to offer to their clients?

We focus on four key areas – large investment acquisitions  primarily for overseas clients, private equity real estate, UK property companies/developers and corporate real estate such as HQ relocations. We find that these areas tend to hedge nicely.

We focus on the largest and most complicated transactions and so we are very partner led. I like to think of us as the SAS of the legal real estate world – a talented team of people for complicated or difficult transactions.

You represent a number of overseas parties; we imagine that the current Brexit uncertainty is colouring views a little on the UK property sector?

I have just returned from a business trip to Hong Kong where I met more than 50 investors. There is a continued interest in the UK and in particular London. However, the majority of these parties are in a “wait and see” holding pattern until there is greater clarity around Brexit – the continued uncertainty is impacting upon deal flows. The good news is that there is still faith in the UK.

At risk of embarrassing you you were recently named on Times Online as one of the top ten future stars of the City and in the Property Week’s ’40 under 40’ 2015 and 2016 list of rising stars in the real estate sector – are you living up to expectations?

I have been very fortunate to work with wonderful people who have positively impacted upon my career. I am also supported by a talented group of lawyers and support staff who are able to help me provide a first class service to our clients. The chef cooks the dinner, but I am very lucky to work with these great people.

We have acted on several high profile deals over the last few years, but the highlight has to be the acquisition of the Walkie Talkie for £1.3 billion – this is still, just about, the largest ever single asset deal in the UK.

Finally how do you like to spend your time away from the office?

I live away from my family in the week and so my spare time is very much family time. I am usually playing with my five year old son and dressed as a super hero – think Rodney from that episode of only fools and horses!

Otherwise a team from Mayer Brown will be cycling from Paris to London in May 2019 and so I shall need to buy a bike and get fitter!

Thanks for your time Chris and good luck with the cycle!