James Bowdidge

Biographical Information
"James founded The Property Merchant Group in 1992. Under his guidance, the company has undertaken well over £1billion of property investment projects.

"A First in Land Management from The University of Reading, was followed by UK development and investment at St Quintin (now part of CB Richard Ellis) before helping to develop that firm’s nascent US business; subsequently moving to The Robert Fraser Group, where he became the director responsible for its major investment and development programme. With a wide range of contacts across the market and extensive expertise in project finance, investment, development, marketing and management across a range of projects, he prides himself on being the complete all-rounder in Central London real estate.

"As Chairman of Colchester United he was responsible for the return of the club to the Football League, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley en route. Twelfth Man for the Boys High School under 11 cricket team, Anchor Man for the Colchester Young Farmers Tug-of-War team, the supersub of the St Quintin football team, and Ninth Best Grouse Shot in the Country, his sporting interests are wide ranging and eclectic.

"James is a commited conservationist and environmental champion, serving as a Vice President of The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, having been reposonsible, for many years, for the Trust's fundraising. Restaurant critic of "Fieldsports" magazine - www.fieldsportsmagazine.com - his "Jimmer's Dinners" column has an avid readership.

"As Honorary Secretary of The Tyburn Angling Society, he is responsible for the delivery of the antient Society's objectives, including the relief of poverty in the Tyburn Valley and the restoration of the River Tyburn."