Worker Bee: meet Adam Kamani, the Manchester property tycoon and fashion label founder

Adam Kamani is the award-winning, 28-year-old head of Kamani Property Group, a global leader in the ownership of commercial, residential and industrial buildings. Although the company’s roots and major investments are in Manchester, its interests span major world cities including London, Mumbai, Dubai and New York City, with a portfolio including assets of national and international renown.

Alongside his role at Kamani Property Group, Adam also heads up KM Capital, a new fund investing in young, dynamic companies with a key focus on tech start-ups. They back exceptional teams with the ambition to grow big businesses, focusing on identifying entrepreneurs who can create, transform or dominate an industry.

By way of a change, he co-founded the Manchester-based global fashion brand Pretty Little Thing.

What got you started in your field of work?

I’ve always had a love for property and entrepreneurship was very much drilled into me from a young age. After co-founding online fashion retailer Pretty Little Thing in 2012 with my brother, I decided, two years later, to take a break from fashion and moved to New York to pursue my new career in property. After spending time learning as much as I could about the industry over in the United States, I returned to Manchester to take on the role of chief executive of Kamani Property Group.

Who have been your biggest influences?

My family are my biggest inspiration when it came to launching Kamani Property Group. A passion to do whatever it takes to succeed has been at the root of our family since the beginning. My brothers are great inspirations for me and we are very big on empowering each other and working together.

What is your proudest achievement so far?

I would say my proudest achievement so far has been building the amazing team that work with me. I believe that the key to success is the team you choose to work with. You’re only ever as good as the people you surround yourself with and I am extremely lucky in the fact that I have a team who I can rely on and trust wholeheartedly.

What does a typical day involve?

I head into the office in the morning and spend a few hours catching up with different members of the team regarding progress on projects and any issues we might be having. I usually spend my afternoons on site visits or checking out new, potential acquisitions. I like seeing and being up to date with what’s going on, so physically going to visit property myself is very high on my agenda.

How do you relax on your days off?

I like to spend a lot of time with my family as we are a very close knit group. My days off usually involve being with them either having dinner together or going on holidays. I’ve just recently got back from a family trip to Ibiza for my Dad’s birthday which was a lot of fun.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Always know your subject, no matter what. Also, always make sure you have the right people around you.

If things hadn’t worked out, what else could you have seen yourself doing?

I really wouldn’t be able to say. It would be an easy option to re-join fashion like the rest of the family, but I think I’d be doing something where I was regularly in contact with new and exciting businesses. This is where my love for property and investing comes from. I’m constantly encountering people with fantastic ideas, whether it be for their businesses of their properties. There’s a lot to learn from ambitious and creative people. I’d seek an industry which gave me that fulfilment.

Tell us one thing about yourself people might be surprised to hear

I absolutely love dogs. I have two French bulldogs and they’re the best thing to come home to.

Red or Blue?

Blue, of course.

Name your three favourite places in Manchester

The Etihad, obviously. My office – we’re currently in the process of a bit of a revamp, incorporating a lot of white features and exposed brick. It’s a really relaxing and inspiring place to work with a great energy. Rosso Restaurant – best food in Manchester.

If you could change one thing about Manchester, what would it be?

The new buildings. We’re moving away from a rich architectural heritage that Manchester has been associated with for centuries. I’d love for other developers to continue to keep their projects inline with this where possible.

And finally, what do you love most about Manchester?

The city’s heritage. Wherever you go you can spot some amazing architectural pieces, and I think it’s key that we continue to celebrate these and relish and preserve them for as long as possible. Alongside this, the people of Manchester are also something to be celebrated. There is a real positive vibe in the city, with local businesses having an extremely friendly nature, making working together within the same industry and district so much easier.