Meet the team: Will

3 min read

Apr 09 2025

In this edition of our Meet the Team series, we introduce Will, Belmont’s Facilities and Operations Manager. With a background spanning music, property management, and heritage buildings, Will brings a wealth of experience to his role. He’s the problem-solver who keeps Belmont running smoothly while also balancing his passion for music and the great outdoors. Let’s hear more from Will himself!

Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you find your way to belmont?

Before joining Belmont, I lived in London and started off working in property management. But my original path was in music—I studied it at university after playing Piano and Violin from a young age. When I needed a job, I fell into property management and combined the two when I joined the Estates Department at the Royal Academy of Music.

I spent over seven years there, working my way up to Facilities Manager and even living on-site. I oversaw large, vibrant spaces full of incredibly talented musicians. It was full-on, being on call 24/7 and managing a large team whilst keeping the building, including its performance spaces, running and operating smoothly.

After being made redundant after COVID, I moved back to the Southwest, where I grew up and the Belmont opportunity came up. It felt like a natural fit—I’ve always loved heritage buildings, and Belmont’s historic architecture immediately fascinated me. I’ve been here for nearly four years and haven’t looked back

What inspired you to join the belmont team?

Initially, it was the estate itself—the history, the buildings, and the unique working environment. Belmont has an incredible mix of heritage spaces and outdoor landscapes, and I was excited by the challenge of maintaining and improving them.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the Walled Garden Amphitheatre and the way events are hosted there. Seeing this historic space being used today as a multi-purpose events space and a traditional garden really inspired me. I wanted to be part of developing and expanding that.

Tell us about your role and what excites you most about it?

As Facilities and Operations Manager, I oversee the estate’s buildings, infrastructure, systems, maintenance, and operations. That includes managing everything from electrical and plumbing systems to renewable energy projects, including air and ground-source heat pumps and solar panels. Retrofitting these technologies into old buildings is a challenge. However, it’s one I enjoy!

I also oversee the management of our vehicles and equipment, and health and safety across the estate. I work closely with project managers to ensure new developments meet Belmont’s needs.

The part I love most is problem-solving—getting out into the estate, figuring out solutions, and making things work. Whether troubleshooting a system issue or planning a major project, there’s something really satisfying about finding the right fix.

When you’re not at work, what do you love to do?

Music is a huge part of my life, and you will often find me at a gig or festival. I’m also a trained Pianist and Violinist, and after a few years away from playing, I’ve recently joined a symphony orchestra in Bristol. It’s a 70+ piece orchestra, and we put on several concerts a year, performing symphonies, concertos, and other modern compositions.

I also love getting outdoors. I live right by the River Avon, so I spend a lot of time walking along the riverbanks.

What would your ideal weekend adventure be?

It would probably involve being somewhere in the Southwest or maybe heading up to the Lake District. I have friends and family across Somerset and Devon, so I love getting down there whenever I can.

If I had a long weekend, I’d spend it walking and taking in the landscape around me. There’s something about open space and fresh air that resets everything.

Do you have a favourite spot on the estate?

Yes! There’s a grassy plateau behind the Walled Garden and Carriage House that overlooks the valley—it’s an amazing spot to stop and take everything in. I also love the Pear Drop, a field surrounded by an historic wall and woodland, which gives it a really peaceful atmosphere.

And if we have works happening to a building where scaffolding is required, I always take advantage and climb to the top – seeing the estate from a height, with the entire landscape stretching out, is always a pretty incredible view!

Is there a book or music that inspires you?

Music-wise, I’ve always been drawn to Nick Drake. His debut album, Five Leaves Left, is one of my favorites to listen to while outdoors. It has this inspiring but slightly melancholic feel that really connects with nature.

I listen to a bit of everything, from rock to electronic and dance music. One of my best live experiences was at Primavera Sound. I watched the headline act play while the sun was rising over the ocean. It was one of those unforgettable festival moments.

What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish In the next few years?

Professionally, I’d like to continue expanding the Facilities and Operations team, as there’s so much potential for growth. I’m also looking at further professional development training to build my knowledge in the field.

Personally, I’d love to complete more sections of the UK’s Southwest Coast Path. I’ve done some, but there’s so much more to explore. It’s one of the most stunning walks in the country. And, of course, getting back into making music has been a big goal for me. Joining the orchestra was a first step. I’m excited to keep performing and being a part of Bristol’s music scene.