25 years ago this week Chartered Surveyor Paul Holder started work at Brighton’s oldest firm of surveyors and agents, Parsons Son & Basley. He had already been working in the town (as it was then) for five years and hasn’t looked back since. In 2002 he became a Partner of the firm. Now settled in a first floor office on the corner of the firm’s building in Queens Road, Paul recalls that his first office was in the attic and he jokes: “I started at the top and worked my way down.”

Over the years Paul has met many of the city’s colourful characters and has inspected some interesting structures both above and below ground including smugglers tunnels, the Royal Pavilion, the ballroom in Hove where it is alleged the then Prince of Wales used to “entertain” Lillie Langtry together with the city’s old cinemas, music halls and theatres. When asked what was the most dangerous survey he undertook Paul answered: “I once surfed down a staircase while it collapsed around me. I have tried to give up indoor surfing since!”

He has seen booms, busts and now a Brexit but is confident that Sussex and in particular the city of Brighton and Hove is a market that will survive and thrive whatever the world throws at it. Of his working life in Brighton and Hove Paul says: “This city is a fabulous place to work and PSB are a fabulous firm to be part of. The people of this city make it a special place and I’d like to thank all those that I’ve had the privilege to work for and alongside over the years for giving me such a varied and interesting career.’’

Parsons Son & Basley – 01273 326171 www.psandb.co.uk

PLEASE DO NOT EDIT HEADLINE OR TEXT.