Asare Bampoe-Wilson is Associate Director of Block Management at Hindwoods – it's a role that requires property knowledge, the ability to juggle the priorities of residents, freeholders, contractors and many more – and endless patience 

Posted on 30 April 2025

Q: How did you get into block management?

A: My journey started with a conversation with a building surveyor. I realised surveying was something I wanted to pursue. I ended up with a degree in surveying. My initial plan was to go into facilities management but I found I preferred residential property, so I started my career at a company called Urang Estates. I was quite surprised by how quickly I had to get up to speed – it really was a case of jumping in at the deep end.

Q: Did you have any experience that helped you adapt to block management?

A: It was familiar to me because my mum had a property portfolio and I was used to helping her come up with solutions to property issues. That experience gave me a good foundation, but of course, I had to learn the technical aspects. I completed my foundation and associate qualifications at what was then the Institute of Residential Property Management. Getting those qualifications was key to moving forward in my career.

Q: People often underestimate the qualifications needed for block management. What are your thoughts on that?

A: That’s right. You don’t just show up and say, ‘I can do this’. There are a lot of technical aspects involved, and you have to be across everything – from the smallest details to big building and structural issues. It’s a very broad role.

Q: How would you describe the role of a block manager?

A: I like to use the analogy of a GP. Just as a GP has a good idea about most illnesses and refers you to a specialist if needed, a block manager needs to have a broad understanding of property issues. For instance, we might identify a structural problem and refer it to a structural engineer. We may not have the technical expertise to draw up a specification of works, but we can identify issues and manage the process to make sure the right people are involved, and the objectives are met.

Q: How long have you been with Hindwoods, and does working in a particular area matter to you?

A: I’ve been with Hindwoods for almost two years now – it’ll be two years in July. When I first joined, they had a Croydon office, which fitted well with my life at the time. The location of the portfolio isn’t as important to me now, since we move around a lot and I’ve managed all sorts of properties—mixed-use, high-rise, suburban. What matters more is that Hindwoods has adapted the role so I can work closer to home, which is important given the demands and stress of block management.

Q: Block management must be a high-stress job with a lot of people with different interests to manage – and a lot of unexpected things each day. How do you manage that?

A: It’s definitely a high-stress role, with a lot of demands from different people. Each block manager has to find their own way of dealing with it – there’s no single approach, except for following some core processes and procedures. It’s important for companies to understand their staff and support them, especially in this line of work.

Q: How often do you visit the sites you manage?

A: At Hindwoods, there isn’t a set number of visits required, but monthly visits are ideal. At the very least, you should do quarterly full site inspections. On top of that, there are ad hoc visits for meetings and to address any issues that crop up. I’d say quarterly is the minimum, but monthly is what you should aim for if possible.

Q: What usually prompts clients to seek out block management services?

A: There are usually two questions there: what triggers them to look for block management, and why do they want to work with us. Often, it’s when they realise the complexity of managing a block themselves or when issues arise that they can’t resolve. They come to us for our expertise, our ability to identify and manage problems, and to ensure their property is looked after professionally.

Q: Finally, what do you find most rewarding about your work in block management?

A: For me, it’s about problem-solving and making a tangible difference for residents and property owners. Every day brings new challenges, and I enjoy finding solutions that keep buildings running smoothly and people happy. It’s a demanding job, but it’s very rewarding when you see the positive impact you can have.