Lock Terrace Ltd is the latest venture from brothers Tariq Usmani MBE and Kashif Usmani, the former directors behind Henley Homes plc.

Tariq Usmani sits down with Sarah Dale to share their vision, their journey, and why property development is in their blood.

“We’re developers by DNA,” says Tariq Usmani, reflecting on the launch of Lock Terrace in 2023 with his brother Kashif, following the untimely restructure of the Henley Homes group.

“Our passion has always been property development. Over the last decade, we’ve become increasingly drawn to hotels. With the current economic climate making large-scale residential projects less viable, we’ve pivoted towards hospitality. Hotels allow us to focus on the finer details, something we truly value. Unlike residential developments, which are handed over once complete, hotels are living assets. You create them, manage them, and stay connected to them.”

With more than 30 years’ of experience, the Usmani brothers have built a reputation for excellence in mixeduse schemes, hotel development, and construction. Their work has earned over 50 industry accolades, celebrating achievements in regeneration, design, and investment.

“I’ve always said we’re a business with a family in it - not a family business,” Tariq explains. “Kashif and I have been inseparable for 37 years. You couldn’t slide a piece of paper between us. We’re resilient. I left home at 17 and that taught me how to survive and adapt. We see eye to eye on almost everything.”

Lock Terrace, named after their base on Havelock Terrace, employs 22 people and currently has a number of hotel projects in planning, with nationwide reach.

“We’ve developed several schemes in Wandsworth, some of which have won awards,” Tariq notes.

“We’ve been rooted here for a decade. We built our current office in 2015 and have been here ever since.”

As Henley Homes, they were long-standing members of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce. They rejoined under Lock Terrace about nine months ago.

“We want to be part of the local business community,” says Tariq. “Being a Patron gives us a voice. The real value is in engagementconnecting with others in the same area who may be facing similar challenges.”

With Henley Homes plc now fully wound down, Lock Terrace is a fresh start.

“Our focus now is on consolidation and clarity,” he says. “The economic landscape is unpredictable, so we’re approaching things with caution. We’ve shifted from five-year developments to projects with a shorter gestation period.”

What drives Tariq most is the creative process. “Design is the part that excites me, watching it all come together, observing how people interact with a space that we have created. There is a great deal to be learned in that observation.”

He also believes in working smart. “I always say laziness drives efficiency,” he laughs. “I don’t want to do everythingI want to focus on what matters. Kashif is a brilliant problem-solver, and we’re not easily fazed: mistakes are how you learn.”

Their commitment to community goes beyond business. The brothers also run a registered charity, the Better Community Business Network.

“For me, success isn’t about what you achieve for yourself - it’s about what you do for others.”

We want to have an input from a business perspective. Being a Patron helps us to be part of that. The key benefits are engagement and the ability to be engaged in a single forum; that’s really important. It is good to meet other people in a similar geographical location who are potentially facing similar challenges.