Marking 17 Incredible Years at Hilco
with John Boorman!

John Boorman approaches 35 years as a Plant & Machinery Valuer, 17 of which with us at Hilco. John’s journey through the years serves as an inspiring example of commitment, loyalty, and the profound impact a single employee can have on a company’s culture and success. To celebrate this milestone in John’s career, we delve into his personal experiences that have shaped his journey! He shares with us how his career started, how it’s changed over the years and career highlights so far.

John started his career in MBA completely by accident! On leaving school he wrote to every property firm in the UK looking for work, but due to the property recession at the time companies weren’t actively recruiting. Having a keen interest in how things are made and a curiosity in how things work, John found himself replying to an ad in the Evening Standard for a Plant & Machinery valuer with Weatherall Green & Smith and the rest is history.

Summing up his time at Hilco, John said; “Great jobs, great clients, a fantastic, experienced team and a huge wealth of experience to pass on to our clients.”

John shares with us how his career journey started, how it’s changed over the years and career highlights so far.

After a short work experience stint at Weatherall Green & Smith post leaving Dartford Grammar School, I had a formal interview with a Mr Edward McInnes, Partner of the London P&M division which lasted 30 minutes and was told if I was willing to go home and pack a bag the job was mine.

I spent the first two years of my career touring Hotel Chains padding (a valuer’s term for writing into a valuation pad everything a Senior Valuer told you to write), for Edward Faulkner (Ted) and Edward McInnes across Europe undertaking Insurance Appraisals.

This gave me a great foundation to describe assets in a thorough and uniformed manner and allowed me to shadow two experienced appraisers through the valuation process whilst staying in some amazing hotels (and some not so great)!

A particular highlight was appraising the Royal Clarence in Exeter with Ted and having breakfast with Meatloaf!

Another memorable time was appraising the ‘Haunted’ Miller Antiques Family Home in Chilston Park and discussing the ghastly events and previous happenings in the Cromwell Suite, with Lloyd Grossmann.

The job continues to provide a full array of experiences through a whole host of industries.

I have always put myself forward and volunteered on difficult cases involving tricky infrastructural projects or heavy engineering projects as these are a passion of mine.

How has the role changed over the years?

When I first started at Weatherall Green & Smith it was my first experience of a recession. Insurance valuations all but dried up and a huge wave of insolvency unfolded. Assets were 95% owned and only 5% subject to finance lease or loan with only high street banks and mainstream lenders providing finance.

Now, most big-ticket purchases are on finance and Companies are either owned or majority financed by a huge array of funding options. In the early years all executive vehicles from insolvent Companies were owned so we were able, as agents, to repossess some wonderful cars post placing them on the Company blanket insurance cover!

What has been one of the most unique / memorable jobs you’ve worked on?

I have been privileged to be involved in many interesting jobs over the years but one that springs to mind is the manufacturer of A380 Airbus wings rolled from a 5-meter cubed ingot of aluminium into 120ft long aircraft wings. The factory was fascinating, rare and truly amazing to see. Additionally, any steel or aluminium works I visit are always huge and full of complexities in the valuation process, which makes for an interesting case.

What has been a standout career moment for you?

I have been very lucky to work on many high-profile assignments; RAF Strike Command, Robert Maxwell British Steel, Liberty Steel, Enron and BBC  Resources, Mars Confectionery, Budweiser, Guiness Brewery, SSI, Promex Heavy Industries with EY, to name but a few!

However, the standout moment was working with Chris Hall and Jason Hall here at Hilco alongside the US team on Project Colour (The valuation for the sale of Jaguar Land Rover to Tata). The enormity of the project and the expertise we demonstrated to the client, proved to me that Hilco was the right choice.

What bit of advice would you give someone starting out?

As per my recent presentation to our Hilco Next Gen:

You must have good intuition and investigative skills and the ability to…

1. Question Management.

2. Examine the Assets.

3. Explore the Site.

4. Investigate the Company Records.

5. Probe the Plant Manager.

6. Research The Market, Demand & Outside Factors.

Then your ability to assess the factors affecting MBA values will become clear!

Have there been any great life experiences you could share?

• I was lucky enough with Hilco’s support to successfully complete the 3 Peaks Challenge just prior to my 40th Birthday.
• I was fortunate to play 9 holes of Golf with Nick Faldo at Celtic manor in 2009 a year before the Ryder Cup.
• I raced the 100m at Crystal Palace for Cambridge Harriers.
• I was lucky enough to meet and shake hands with Prince Philip at the Tower of London to obtain my Chiefs Scout award post navigating a team across the Tyrell mountains of Austria.
• I met the cast of Eastenders whilst working on an assignment for the BBC at Elstree, to write off all their analogue broadcast equipment.
• Marrying my wife Meiling at Leeds Castle in 2007 and having a fine son, Alex in 2010.

As the company continues to grow and evolve, the influence of dedicated employees like John Boorman will undoubtedly shape our future. His story is a reminder of how passion, perseverance, and loyalty can create a lasting impact, both on a personal level and for the organisation as a whole!

From all of us here at Hilco, Congratulations John!