Catching up with...Fadil Alnassar

Fadil is partner and executive director at property fund management company UKPFM, and franchising consultancy MEFranchising.com.

When were you at Kingston and what did you study?

I started my Computer Science degree in 2002 and I did a sandwich course so I graduated in 2006.

Why did you choose Kingston?

I chose Kingston above other good universities who also made me an offer. One of the main reasons was Kingston gave really good information about the course and the students studying at the University. I made my decision while doing my access to higher education course at Kingston College.

What do you remember about your time at Kingston? In three words.  

Fun, challenge and best memories.

Have you been back to Kingston since graduating? If so, what for?

I came back in November 2014 for a couple of lectures as a guest speaker. The first was with Dr James Orwell for his programming module – it was about programming in the ‘real world' including the challenges and how it differs from uni life. The other lecture was with Dr Rob Mellor for his 10th anniversary IT and Entrepreneurship module where I shared my entrepreneurial experience, including how I quit my job and started my own business. It was great to be able to share my experience with current Kingston students.

Are you still in touch with anyone from your Kingston days?

Yes I am – one of my best mates. We used to study together and supported each other well – we both got first-class degrees and both joined Accenture with graduate jobs. We are still in touch. I have also some other friends who I keep up with on social media.

What did you expect to do after graduating? Are you still doing that now?

After graduation, my dream job was to join Accenture – I managed to, after a long battle with their interviewing process. However, after less than 18 months of working with them, I realised I didn't want to be an employee so I started up my business where the sky is my limit!

What's your greatest achievement?

There are many achievements I believe I have so far, but all of them combined still don't represent 10% of my target in life but I will list some of them:

• Developed UKPFM.com, where we have £100m worth of property in our portfolio, within less than two years.
• Most of my businesses have been started up with no investment. We started some ideas from scratch and they are now worth more than £1m. We have a few companies now and are developing more in our group as we grow year by year.
• Managed to make my first $1m in my fourth year in business.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Start up your business idea even if it generates £100 a week as pocket money. No matter how small or big, or what industry you are in, the beauty of any business is that most share the main principles of how to develop, grow and manage a business – so at an early age, you can build your experience.

What last made you laugh?

Hearing jokes that we used to say in childhood. No matter how silly they sound, I still always smile and laugh when I hear them – it has a history link in my life to make me laugh – not just the joke itself.

What's your ideal weekend?

Watching Arsenal winning their game, having an Indian food dinner with our traditional charcoal tea, and being with my family.

You are to live out your final days on a desert island…

Who would you take with you and why? (one person only)

I will take my wife as she deserves credit for the hard days she has spent with me – her patience and support is a key factor in my success. She deserves a big ‘thank you'!

What book would you take and why?

Seven habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey. I think this book is not just a source of learning – it is a life-changing book and it still affects and changes my life. I highly recommend everyone to attend the course or read the book at the very least – I did both.

What movie would you take and why?

Braveheart. I think this movie has a wealth of values and principles with ethics and is a great lesson in bravery and standing for your beliefs.

What food item would you take and why?

Indian food. I love Indian food and I love spice! If I only had a few more days to live on my desert island, I would spend them with this fantasy I have in food!

Tell us something would never guess about you.

I have a shy personality which I always have to break any time I have training, a lecture or conference – once I am done, I go back again to my shyness position again until the next event! It sounds weird but I am still a shy person – most people don't believe it though!

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