Starting a company often begins with a simple idea born from experience—and that’s exactly how Ground Up came to life. Founded by Antony and Paul after years navigating the complexities of the grounds maintenance, insurance and property management industries,

Ground Up was created to solve a very real problem: the daily pressures property managers face juggling multiple contractors across regions. Their mission was clear from the start—to provide a single, reliable, and seamless solution for all facilities management needs, no matter the location or trade. In this exclusive interview with Antony, we dive deep into the story behind Ground Up, the challenges faced, the vision for the future, and the passion that keeps him driving forward.

Come with us as we meet Antony Jones, Founder and CEO of Ground Up Property Group.

What made you want to start Ground Up?

"Ground Up was founded by Paul and me after years working in the insurance industry. We saw first-hand the pressures property managers face daily—juggling multiple contractors across different regions, on top of everything else. We wanted to take that headache away by offering a single, reliable solution for all their facilities management needs, regardless of location or trade. That vision became Ground Up."

What has been the biggest challenge since you started the company?

"Honestly, my own ego in the early days. A couple of years in, I thought rapid growth meant hiring as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. But I soon realised I’d missed something crucial—structure. Without the right foundations in place, growth can’t be sustained. Learning to invest in building that structure has been the most important lesson for me and the business."

What is your favourite thing about Ground Up?

"There are two things that stand out. First, the incredible team we’ve built. It’s taken years to get to this point, but we now have such talented people across every part of the business, which gives me the rare luxury of a little "me time." Second, our clients—many of whom I’ve built relationships with over 19 years in the property sector. Some of my closest friends today started out as clients and still are."

Where would you like to see the company in the next 3 years?

"I’m working on this right now as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK program at Oxford University. I’m putting together a detailed three-year growth plan for Ground Up. Let’s just say there are some big plans on the horizon—and I’ve never let hurdles stop me from reaching our goals."

What do you do when you’re not working to unwind? Any hobbies?

"Great question! I’ve always loved driving fast cars—anyone who knows me will tell you that. I’m also a big foodie and have been lucky enough to eat at some incredible places around the world. And of course, I’m a passionate Coventry City fan—PUSB (Play Up Sky Blues)!"

What’s your favourite place you’ve visited abroad?

"Dubai definitely makes the list—it’s a city that, like me, never sleeps! I’ve had some amazing experiences there. But for pure relaxation, it has to be St Lucia. That’s where I go when I need real downtime."

If you weren’t in this role, what do you think you’d be doing?

"I’d still be in the real estate world, without a doubt—probably selling ultra-luxury properties somewhere like Dubai. It’s an industry I know and love."

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

"Space travel. It feels like something out of this world (literally!), but with the way space exploration is evolving and the costs coming down, I’m hopeful it might be achievable within the next ten years. That would be the ultimate adventure."

What’s one quote that you live by?

"It might sound unusual, but a quote from The Mask with Jim Carrey has stuck with me since I was 12. After the scene with Milo the dog grabbing the keys, there’s a moment when Jim Carey talks with Charlie about the "BBD"—the bigger, better deal. That mindset really resonated with me. For the past 30 years, I’ve lived by the idea that you should always push yourself to achieve more, to look for that bigger, better deal in life."

And there you have it, an inside look of how and why Ground Up came to be and what keeps it's director striving for more! If you want to connect with Antony, head on over to LinkedIn today so you can see all the exciting news as it happens!