Laura Hamilton’s Secrets to Thriving in TV, Property, and Entrepreneurship

Laura Hamilton is a powerhouse in television, property, and entrepreneurship. As the charismatic presenter of Channel 4’s *A Place in the Sun*, she captivates audiences with her expertise and vibrant personality. But her talents extend far beyond the screen. Laura has carved out a niche as a respected property expert, offering valuable insights into the real estate market. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her diverse business ventures, demonstrating her ability to thrive in multiple arenas. Known for her boundless energy and passion, Laura effortlessly juggles her roles, inspiring others with her dedication and drive. Join us as we explore the secrets behind Laura Hamilton’s remarkable success and how she manages to excel in TV, property, and business. Discover how her unique blend of skills and enthusiasm fuels her impressive career.

You started your TV career as a runner for Channel 4 at just 18. What key moments or individuals influenced your transition from behind the scenes to in front of the camera?

I spent most Sundays working on a program called T4 – and Dermott O’Leary and Vernon Kay were among some of the incredible presenters on the show at the time. They both knew I wanted to move into presenting and they helped me to put together my very first showreel which I still have on VHS in the loft!

I thoroughly enjoyed working as a runner. I’ve learnt about the industry from the bottom up so I have a full understanding & appreciation of everyone’s role and hopefully, that makes me better at what I do.

Your passion for property development began at a young age. What sparked your interest in property renovation, and what has been your most memorable project?

I always had in my head I wanted to buy property since the age of 15 so that’s when I started saving for a deposit. Don’t ask me why, I just thought it was a good idea. By the time I was 19, I had enough of a deposit to purchase a one-bed flat that was a bit of a do-er-upper.

I fell into property development by accident because 3 months after purchasing that flat, I was sorting as a floor manager at a shopping channel – the channel went bust and I was made redundant. I had to make over the flat quickly and then decided to let it out. I moved back home and had a lightbulb moment that “property” was a great idea. I saved for another and so the story began. !9 projects in the bag, including commercial premises, my next major property renovation project takes me overseas.

My commercial venture, which incorporated creating a coffee shop and a brand is a real stand-out project because I became a qualified postmistress employed lots of residents and helped to make a difference in the community.

Renovating a property comes with its own set of challenges. Can you share a particularly challenging renovation experience and how you overcame it?

 Every property I’ve renovated, no matter how big or small, has had its unique challenges. Despite applying the knowledge I’ve learnt along the way I’ve always encountered the odd problem. My last renovation involved rebuilding an old property, that was partially off-grid and making it sustainable was the primary focus, so I installed an air source heat pump, solar panels and an electric car charging point amongst other things. This presented its challenges but what I’ve learnt is that nothing is impossible, there’s always a way. 

In 2017, you rescued your local village shop and created ‘Lord Roberts on The Green.’ What motivated you to take on this community project, and how did it impact the local area?

Like many things in my life, opportunities arise and I just say yes, and that’s what happened this time. I thought I could rescue the village shop and Post Office, even though I had no experience (haha). I always say yes to things and then figure out how to do it afterwards. I was comfortable with renovating the site but when it came to setting up a coffee shop & deli from scratch, I was completely out of my comfort zone. It was a case of feeling fear, and I did it anyway. I found myself interviewing staff and learning about food storage, safety and hygiene, pest control and waste management – not quite as glamorous as helping house hunters to find property abroad. My mission was to create an inclusive community hub that would be described in local estate agents’ marketing material as a focal point in the community helping drive property prices up. I’m proud to say I achieved my mission and survived the pandemic but just like with my property projects, I think one of the skills of being a successful entrepreneur is knowing the right time to move on and it was time to hand over the reins.

From presenting children’s TV shows to property and travel programs, you have a diverse portfolio. How do you approach preparing for such varied roles, and what do you enjoy most about this diversity? 

I started as a children’s TV presenter and then moved to daytime TV. I’ve dabbled in some prime-time TV and would always be up for doing more. I truly believe Children’s TVs is a great platform that provides a great training experience. Working behind the scenes as a floor manager and using talk back (the little earpiece presenters wear to enable the director to communicate from the gallery) meant that when I became a presenter I was already familiar with the system. I’ve always been passionate about travel from an early age, so combining that with my presenting, as well as my side hustle of property, means that when it comes to preparing for a job I just bring all the skills together that have been part of my journey so far.

You’ve travelled extensively, even taking your children on many trips from a young age. How do you balance your career, travel, and family life, and what are your favourite travel destinations?

As a child, I travelled with my parents on trips to Europe, camping, and caravanning holidays. My parents instilled a great sense of adventure in me, which I am passing on to my children. I was very much of the attitude when I had my children that they would fit in with my life rather than me fitting in with theirs. I’ll admit I’m a workaholic, and I’d always planned to travel with my children, so hours after my son was born, I found myself in the hospital applying for his passport. It’s just as well I did as 3 weeks later I got a job offer and I travelled with him and my mum to Austria to compete in CH4’s The Jump. I’m juggling everything by having a supportive family and an amazing network of friends – there are so many parts of the world I love but Mallorca holds a special place in my heart, hence I just bought a property there. I don’t switch off very easily so The Maldives Is somewhere I love to visit and I would describe it as paradise on earth.

You’re launching a travel podcast and vodcast called “The Mile Fly Club.” What can listeners expect from this new venture, and what inspired you to start it?

The Mile Fly Club is a co-production with a producer friend of mine. We both love travel and entertainment and the 4 Mile Fly Club is a mixture of both – we of course ask the obvious question, but you’ll have to tune in to the podcast or vodcast when it launches in September to find out the answers. No topic is off limits and we discuss travel destinations, travel hacks and lots more. We’ve got some great celebrities lined up so be sure to sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride – let’s hope there’s not too much turbulence !!

You’ve participated in shows like ‘The Jump’ and ‘Dancing on Ice.’ What drives you to take on these physically demanding challenges, and what have you learned from these experiences?

I’m up for any challenge, and if someone tells me I can’t do something, it just spurs me to prove to myself that I can. I love reality shows where you learn a new skill, and where world-class experts in their field are teaching you. What have l learnt? I can figure skate, speed skate, do the headbanger, ski jump, and lots more. I’m also a dab hand at DIY and not afraid to get my hands dirty. Oh, and I’m also learning to be a pilot.

As an ITP sufferer, you offer support and advice to fellow sufferers. Can you share how you manage this condition and why raising awareness is important?

I discovered I had ITP 10 months after the birth of my daughter. It’s an auto-immune disease that people seem to know little about, but other than that, it’s more common in children. I grew up with a mum who suffered from an autoimmune disease of her own – rheumatoid arthritis.  She has always had an incredibly positive outlook on life and I’d like to think she has passed that on to me.  I notice I have a flair when I am stressed so I try to manage that stress and carry on doing the things I love.  I am always happy to chat with other sufferers and offer any support or advice.

With your upcoming overseas renovation project in Mallorca and the launch of your new website, what excites you most about these ventures, and what are your long-term goals in travel, property, and lifestyle?  

I love that you never know what is around the corner and I embrace that.  I am so excited about the launch of my pod/vodcast and my new website and all that it will offer… who knows exactly what the future holds but if it’s anything to go by my last 41 years then I can’t wait!