COFFEE BREAK WITH... Steve Riley, Business Agent - Retail

When did you join Christie & Co?  

March 18th 2024. 

Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie & Co? 

At home, hoping that I’d get a call from Christie & Co! 

What was your first job? 

My first ever job was a local paper round when I was 14, but my first ‘proper’ job was as an Account Manager for an IT firm based in Harrogate. 

In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie & Co? 

I work in the Retail Sector, covering Yorkshire, by helping clients buy and sell convenience stores and petrol stations.  

What’s your favourite thing about Christie & Co? 

I love how much variety the role offers, as well as the freedom to manage my own diary.  

What's a favourite project that you’ve worked on at Christie & Co so far? 

I had the opportunity to work alongside my colleague, Andrew Birnie, on the sale of a Petrol Filling Station. We achieved a phenomenal, agreed sale price for our client. It was one of my first ventures working on a Petrol Filling Station sale, and working with Andrew on this was a great learning curve for me. 

What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far? 

The biggest challenge has been getting to grips with the complexities of commercial property sales, which go far beyond the more straightforward residential transactions. Fortunately, I’ve had a fantastic team around me for support! 

What’s been a highlight of your career so far? 

Completing my first sale from my initial inspection visit right through to completion. 

How has the industry changed since you started at Christie & Co? 

Having only been in the industry for a relatively short while, I’ve seen demand for convenience stores and petrol stations increase rapidly, despite wider economic pressures. The market is buoyant, so many operators are deciding to buy and sell.  

Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies? 

I’m married with 3 kids. I love playing golf, and I’ve been told off for playing too much! I also love going to concerts (preferably heavy metal bands), eating out and generally socialising with friends and family.  

What’s your hometown? Where do you live now? 

Originally, I was born in Lusaka, Zambia, but now I live with my wife and children in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. 

Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday? 

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia. I went scuba diving there, which was incredible! 

What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

Cyclists riding side by side on country roads, lateness, and bad manners! 

If you could live and work in any city, where would you go? 

Sydney, Australia – I previously lived there for 6 months and loved it.

What would be your desert island meal? 

A chunky-filled chicken burrito covered in sour cream, guacamole and grated cheese with Mexican-style rice and a cold Corona to top it off!  

What’s your favourite film? 

“Casino” with Robert DeNiro – I love mafia-related films. 

Tell us your favourite joke / What is your favourite movie quote? 

“Surely you can’t be serious?”  

“I am serious, and don’t call me Shirely.” - Airplane! 

What is one thing on your bucket list? 

Just choosing one is tough as I have so many! I would love to attend the Masters Golf Championship or to scuba dive with a blue whale. 

What news source do you read every day? 

BBC News. 

What’s your social media platform of choice? 

Instagram. 

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