Spotlight On

We have spent some time with our Head of Compliance & Risk, Benedict Lane. We’ve asked him some questions so you can get to know more about his role at Xenia Estates!

Tell us a little bit about your role…

My role as Head of Compliance & Risk is fundamentally focused around ensuring that as an organisation we are adhering to current statutory legislation across the Property Compliance disciplines such as Asbestos, Electrical, Gas, Fire, Lifts and Water Safety. It is essential that we hold the correct reports and certification, also that they are within their review due date and that any remedial actions have been undertaken. These factors contribute to upholding the safety of all of our Tenants that live within the buildings we manage.

How did you get to where you are today?

The bulk of my residential compliance management experience was gained working for a national specialist supported living housing provider. Their client base focused solely on Tenants with learning disabilities. This opportunity enabled me to progress and build my own team who were based remotely. I found this very rewarding to be able to contribute to the safety of these tenants through managing regional compliance officers and a central admin team function. The knowledge I gained within this role enabled me to step into the Private Rented Sector. Although completely different Assets making up the Portfolio, ultimately the same compliance principles need to be adhered to, as you would expect within a three-bed domestic dwelling to a building with multiple floors and a large scale tenant presence.

I hope to bring the knowledge I have gained to my role here at Xenia Estates.

How long have you been with Xenia Estates?

I started with Xenia Estates mid-February 2023 and have been in post coming up to 12 Months.

What would you say makes Xenia Estates stand out?

I think Xenia has built a great foundation as a managing agent, but I understand they have a great appetite to improve and grow their portfolio which makes it an extremely exciting organisation to work for.

What do you love about your role?

My role is extremely varied and encompasses a number of different disciplines which you may have to deal with on a day to day basis – being able to multi-task is beneficial. There is also a heavy reliance on internal and external stakeholders to ensure that things get completed and signed off. Communication is key to this and that is part of the job I enjoy.

How do you destress or unwind?

I have recently become a member of a new Spa/Gym which is local to me. Fortunately, they have a swimming pool which has prompted me to learn how to swim. I feel this is a really good challenge and something to focus on to achieve, also it is great cardio. At the moment my personnel best is 22 lengths of the pool.

As sad as it sounds, I also enjoy washing my car.

If you could live anywhere in the World, where would it be?

Barbados

What’s your favourite building in the world & why?

Although I haven’t seen it in the flesh, I would have to say the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt would be up there. I think the fact it has stood the test of time for so many decades, its sheer size and possible construction methods utilised just fascinate me.

In terms of physically visiting, I recently returned to Budapest and remembered what a staggering Parliament Building they have which is located right on the banks of the River Danube.

The below photograph taken by me, doesn’t do it’s colossal size justice.

Finished in 1902 – This is Hungary’s landmark symbol and had been dubbed the “Home of the Motherland” and is one of Europe’s finest Neo-Gothic Buildings.

City life or Country life?

I find a balance between both would be my ideal choice – “however being able to take a trip into the city but come away is always nice”