A year at Hallam Land: Lisa Cook reflects on her first 12 months
Our people are the heart of our business and they’re also our greatest asset. To showcase the people behind Hallam Land, we caught up with Lisa Cook, Senior Land and Planning Manager, to reflect on her first year with the business. From her initial impressions to standout moments and professional growth, Lisa shares an honest and insightful look into life at Hallam Land.
What initially attracted you to Hallam Land, and how has your first year compared to your expectations?
“I was aware of Hallam Land as a flagship land promotion business, and I’d come across some of the South West team during meetings involving multiple landowner representatives. They always presented professionally, understated, experienced, and confident which left a strong impression.
After a whirlwind career to date, I was drawn to the reassuring stoicism that comes from a long-established business. I also really liked the team from the outset they seemed like a great bunch, and I’m happy to say that first impression has absolutely matched the reality.
Although I had some prior experience in land promotion, I transitioned from a technical, delivery-focused role, so my first year has been a steep learning curve. Beyond the usual adjustment period that comes with any role or company change, there’s been a lot to learn, digest, and apply and it’s been genuinely exhilarating.”
Can you share a few standout projects or moments that made your first year memorable?
“Hallam Land’s portfolio is impressively diverse ranging from smaller-scale developments to large strategic allocations that demand significant infrastructure and upfront investment. No matter the scale, each project brings its own unique challenges.
What’s stood out most during my first year isn’t one particular scheme, but the breadth of exposure across the full range of projects. That variety has been a real highlight, allowing me to apply cross-project learning and continuously improve.
I’ve also really appreciated how much the business has embraced my project management and technical background. Feeling genuinely valued and supported has made a big difference and it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
How would you describe the team culture at Hallam Land?
“Reflecting on my time at Hallam Land, I can genuinely say it’s been a fantastic experience. We’re all professionals, and there’s a strong culture of mutual respect where everyone’s views are valued.
Before joining, I’d heard Hallam Land was selective in its recruitment process, and now I understand why. The time and care invested in finding the right people really pays off, creating a team that’s genuinely collaborative and fosters mutual respect.
Coming from a project management and technical background, I bring a slightly different skill set, and I’ve felt fully embraced by the South West team from day one. It’s a place where hard work is balanced with humour (which is important to me) and our social calendar is just as lively as our workdays.”
In what ways have you grown professionally during your first year, and what opportunities have helped you develop?
“The completion of my first twelve months naturally marks a moment for reflection, and I can honestly say that my professional growth has been exceptional. I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of projects, each with its own challenges and complexities, which has significantly contributed to my development.
From a technical perspective, I’ve learned a great deal about land promotion and have developed a renewed respect for the planning discipline. It’s a complex and often demanding environment, and I’ve been genuinely impressed by how my colleagues apply their expertise to deliver the best possible outcomes.
For my part, I’ve been able to bring my ‘delivery’ mindset to the early stages of the development lifecycle. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the added value and better-engineered outcomes that I’ve helped to shape.”
