Waking up and getting an email from Ed Sheeran and Stormzy Productions saying that they wanted to come and view the building for a potential video. That was one of the career highlights I definitely did not expect.

Greystar Facility Manager, Vidka, has been based in Bermondsey for three years (previously with Grosvenor), managing tenancies and working alongside her wider team to keep locals up to date with progress on the Bermondsey Project. Recently we caught up with Vidka to learn a bit more about her and what she loves about her job here in Bermondsey.

Vidka’s always out and about around Bermondsey, so if you see her, be sure to give her a wave.

First off, where does the name Vidka come from?

Bulgaria. I was born and raised in Bulgaria and then spent three years studying economics at university in France, before moving to the UK where I’ve been for the 20 years since!

It sounds as though you probably speak a few different languages.

Yes! I speak Bulgarian, Russian, French and of course, English. Unfortunately, I am out of practice with French; I can still understand, but speaking is a little bit more difficult. I love languages though; I have two children who we’re raising to speak English and Bulgarian. It’s a challenge for them but is important for me as it helps us to maintain close relationships with my family in Bulgaria, even though we’ve lived in different places for such a long time.

Tell us about your role as a Facilities Manager. What led you to your where you are now and what do you like most about your job now?

Well, I started off in an administrative role and realised within my first three months that property management was the industry for me! In the 12 years since, I have gained experience in mechanical and electrical supply services, and commercial tenancy management.

I came in as Facilities Manager for the Bermondsey Project (formerly the Tower Bridge Complex) when the old Biscuit Factory buildings were still fully occupied. I managed the whole estate operationally, as well as managing its 60-odd small business tenancies for a year and a half before development started with the demolition phase in 2021.

Over the last three years, tenants have gotten to know me as the main point of contact and they’ve used my knowledge and advice to assist with problems.  I’m pleased to say that if there are issues that do not fall in my remit, people still come to me for assistance, help and advice and I help however I can.

Basically, I’m on the speed dial for everybody.

This is what I love the most about my job – Everyday I get to talk to and help different people to solve such a range of issues. Property management is really dynamic and I love the satisfaction of resolving problems!

Through my job in Bermondsey, I have also had lots of opportunities to work with local charities. Bermondsey has always been home to a lot of charities, including Crisis and Construction Youth Trust.

Personally, Helping Hands is one of my favourites. They support disabled adults by creating opportunities to socialise, like dancing and games. I like to join the group whenever I can and sent chocolates at Christmas.

That sounds really rewarding, can you pinpoint any standout career highlights?

Waking up and getting an email from Ed Sheeran and Stormzy productions that they wanted to come and view the building for a potential video. That was one of the career highlights that I definitely did not expect.

In the months before demolition began, we did several very short-term leases for film productions. The music video for Own It was filmed on the roof of Building F as well as some scenes in Cruella. The productions were hectic with high delivery standards and quick turnaround times.

Moving into a new year, what are you most looking forward to in 2023?

This year I’m really looking forward to seeing development start up again on our sites. Over the last few years, I’ve supported the team and community through planning and demolition and now we’re preparing for the next phase which is construction. Progress is going to be visible in this phase and I’m really looking forward to that.

The Bermondsey Project is bringing a little bit of everything to Bermondsey and I think that’s what locals are looking forward to most. From my conversations with people around here, I’ve heard that people want to see a development that keeps the quirky, personal and unique character of Bermondsey, while at the same time updating and modernising the area.

I’ve really fallen in love with Bermondsey over the last few years and I’m excited about how it’s going to grow in future.