BusinessdeskNW Lunch with Simon Ismail

Simon Ismail, co-founder and director of Salboy, spoke about the founding principles and ambition of the company when he was guest of honour at a high-profile business lunch in Manchester.

Hosted by Businessdesk NW in April 2020, Simon was interviewed by editor Michael Riddick in front of an audience of leading figures from the region’s property industry.

He talked about founding the company with fellow Salfordian Fred Done and how they both wanted to leave a legacy of high quality, contemporary developments, allowing their home city to compete on the world stage and grow alongside neighbouring Manchester.

Simon said: “Since we formed the company we have brought forward four major apartment schemes delivering 380 homes and our first completed project – Local Blackfriars -is already winning awards.  The other three – Local Crescent, Burlington House, Transmission House –  are on track for completion in the next two months.

“In the immediate pipeline we have Viadux, a huge project in the heart of Manchester city centre that we are undertaking as a joint venture with ASK Properties; Castle Irwell which will create a new community of 500 sustainable homes built around green spaces and Fifty5 Queen St in Salford.

“The key to this consistent delivery is having the independent financial backing from Fred, our own construction firm DOMIS and great support staff.”

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Asked about the continued growth of the Manchester city region and outlook for the market Simon said he believed the economic building blocks of strong leadership, continued investment in new technologies and industry and jobs growth, coupled with a high retention of graduates to provide skills, remained in place.

He said: “Manchester city region rightly comes top in so many indicators – not just for jobs and economic growth but quality of life and affordability. Salboy is playing a part in that.”