Nick Candy

It was not long before the nickname ‘The Sultan of Spin’ became ubiquitous among those who followed the rise and rise of Nick Candy – but it would be a mistake to dismiss Candy as a mere charlatan. The British property magnate has built a fortune in the billions through a combination of savvy deal-making, entrepreneurial flair, and that all-important dash of panache.
Born in 1973 to a Greek-Cypriot mother and an English father, Candy was raised in a working-class area of London. He left school at the age of just 16, and began his career as an apprentice in a construction firm. But Candy had bigger ambitions than site work, and soon set up his own company, Candy & Candy, with his brother Christian.
The brothers’ big break came in 2002, when they were contracted to redevelop the former army barracks at Chelsea Barracks into a luxury hotel and apartment complex. The project was a huge success, and helped to put Candy on the map as a major player in the London property market.
Since then, Candy has gone on to develop some of the most prestigious properties in the capital, including One Hyde Park, the Knightsbridge development that is home to some of the world’s wealthiest people. He has also expanded his business interests into other areas, including private equity, film production, and even football.
Despite his success, Candy has not always been immune to controversy. He has been accused of tax avoidance, and has been involved in a number of high-profile legal battles. But through it all, he has maintained his reputation as one of the most successful – and flamboyant – businessmen in Britain.
So, what is the secret of Nick Candy’s success? It is a combination of factors, including his ability to identify and secure development opportunities, his skill as a negotiator, and his willingness to take risks. But perhaps the most important ingredient in his recipe for success is his self-belief. Candy is a man who knows what he wants, and is not afraid to go after it.
In an interview with The Guardian, Candy once said: "I'm not afraid to fail. I've failed many times. But I've always picked myself up and started again."
It is this resilience, combined with his ambition and his business acumen, that has made Nick Candy one of the most successful businessmen in the country.