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Hi, I’m Kyle Pugh and I’d like to tell you a little bit about my career in commercial property at GJS Dillon.

I wasn’t initially set on a path in commercial property. I began by studying Law (LLB) at UWE Bristol. However, I soon realised I wanted a career that was more varied, fast-paced, and people-focused. Commercial property offered the perfect balance—it blends technical expertise, deal-making, and relationship management in a constantly evolving market. This led me to pursue a RICS-accredited MSc in Estate & Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University, which provided the foundation for my career in real estate.

Getting Started in Commercial Property

After completing my studies, I joined GJS Dillon, a commercial property consultancy, where I’ve gained experience across three key areas:

• Sales, Lettings & Acquisitions – Marketing properties, negotiating deals, and working closely with landlords and tenants.
• Property Asset Management – Helping landlords manage their assets effectively, handling lease renewals, and maintaining strong tenant relationships.
• Valuations, Rent Reviews & Lease Renewals – Assessing property values across different asset types, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

This variety has given me a broad understanding of the commercial property sector and helped me develop versatile skills that can be applied across different areas of real estate.

Becoming a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS – Commercial Pathway)

I am currently working towards MRICS chartership via the Commercial Property pathway, which is the industry gold standard for surveyors. GJS Dillon has been instrumental in my structured APC training, giving me hands-on experience in valuation, leasing, landlord & tenant matters, asset management, and agency. I also benefit from mentorship, CPD opportunities, and exposure to real-world transactions, all of which are helping me develop the expertise needed to qualify as a Chartered Surveyor.

What I like about my job

• Variety – No two days are the same.
• Impactful work – Seeing how property decisions influence local businesses, investors, and the market is incredibly rewarding.
• Problem-solving – Whether it’s helping a landlord maximise the value of their asset or structuring a complex deal, there’s always a challenge to tackle.
• The people – Property is all about relationships. I work with a mix of landlords, tenants, investors, and professionals, making it a highly interactive career.

Challenges in the Industry

Slow-moving transactions and legal complexities can sometimes be frustrating, particularly when deals take longer than expected. However, these are part of the process, and learning how to navigate and manage expectations is a key skill in this industry.

Why Consider a Career in Commercial Property?

For anyone who enjoys a dynamic, varied career where you can combine technical expertise, negotiation, and client engagement, commercial property is an excellent choice. The industry offers long-term career progression, opportunities to specialise, and the chance to work on projects that have a real impact on communities and businesses.