36. Gary Taylor, Argent Group

Gary Taylor, executive director of property developer Argent Group and life-long Baggies supporter, is one of the big names behind the success of Brindleyplace.

During his time running The Brindleyplace Limited Partnership, he has got to know every tenant at the canalside development and has made it a model for urban estate management.

Few doubt Brindleyplace's success is, in no small measure, down to Mr Taylor's drive and commitment to the project.

Before joining Argent as the firm's youngest director, Mr Taylor worked for six years with Arup where he did a stint in Hong Kong after graduating with a first in Civil Engineering.

He holds a clutch of awards, including the title of Birmingham Future Young Professional of the Year 2001 and Inspiring Leader 2005. He is also chairman of Broad Street BID, director of Marketing Birmingham and a board member of the Birmingham City Centre Partnership.

His greatest career achievements are securing the city's largest office pre-let at Seven, Eight and Ten Brindleyplace with RBS and the implementation of the Brindleyplace Limited Partnership, the country's largest ever organisation set up to raise capital from private investors for an asset-specific property vehicle.

Colleagues say he is truly passionate about Birmingham, looking to inspire those around him and he is admired for his drive and energy and ability to make complicated projects happen. On top of all that he is a father of two young children and runs marathons for fun.