The real estate and construction landscape thrives on constant reinvention driven by innovation. New technologies like 3D printing and sustainable materials are revolutionizing how we design, build and manage structures. This principle of innovation is exemplified by BCD Group—a company that has adapted to the advancing industry landscape by setting new benchmarks in quality and service delivery.
BCD Group stands as one of India’s largest and oldest construction conglomerates, with a robust portfolio that includes over 8,000 homes and 9 million square feet currently under construction. The company has also made significant strides in managing stressed assets, with Rs 700 crores in India’s largest stressed assets fund and Rs 500 crores deployed across various asset classes.
A cornerstone of BCD Group’s success is its pioneering efforts in senior living, marked by the launch of the first rental accommodation for the elderly. This initiative provides a holistic lifestyle enriched with amenities, care and community experiences, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovative and inclusive housing solutions.
At the helm of this progressive entity is Angad Bedi, the Managing Director of BCD Group. Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable milestones, including a notable 30% increase in revenue over the past two years. Bedi’s ability to make swift, strategic decisions has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the real estate sector and driving the company’s growth.
One of Bedi’s significant achievements is the successful completion of the Vanaprastha project—BCD Group’s first senior rental living model. This project exemplifies his vision and dedication, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the industry at large. Bedi’s leadership philosophy centers on customer-centricity and motivating his team to deliver exceptional service, which has resulted in a committed and satisfied workforce.
Sustainability is also a key priority for Bedi and BCD Group. The company has embraced numerous green initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices within the industry. This forward-thinking approach addresses the environmental challenges faced by the construction sector while positioning BCD Group as a leader in sustainable development.
Angad’s tenure is characterized by a blend of innovative thinking, strategic decision-making and a strong commitment to both customer satisfaction and sustainability.
Building Tomorrow
Angad has been with BCD for 17 years, leading and directing the organization’s growth. BCD is the only company offering a comprehensive range of construction, developments, funds, and co-living under one roof, delivering these services across leading real estate markets globally. They also maintain a strong presence in India’s emerging Tier-II markets.
Angad has played an active role in transforming a 70-year-old construction company into a global conglomerate in real estate. He has led the group to expand its footprint from a few lacs to more than 60 million square feet throughout India and abroad. Currently, BCD has over 20 million square feet of construction projects under execution and in the pipeline.
Presently, BCD operates in seven Indian states and other countries such as the UAE, Mauritius, Nepal, Iraq, Africa, and Singapore. “We are proud to deliver key offerings across leading real estate markets globally,” says Angad, reflecting the company’s dedication to excellence and growth.
A Modern, Insights-driven Approach
Over a period of time, BCD’s services have been professionalized as Angad and his team sought to transform the organization from a promoter-driven entity to one with a healthy professional culture.
Angad has also overseen the transfiguration of business models, brand-building strategies, workflows, and other crucial business procedures to keep up with the changing times. “We established a robust digital platform based on insights-driven decision-making,” says Angad, emphasizing the company’s modern approach to growth and efficiency.
Overcoming Adversity
While challenges and continuous learning are parts and parcels of entrepreneurship, one specific challenge taught Angad a lot of lessons. BCD took on a large township from a developer which was also a stalled project. This million-sq-ft development was part of a proposed larger development totaling five million sq ft.
As an entrepreneur, Angad saw an opportunity to give the project new life. But, the real challenge was overcoming the negative reputation and customer frustration caused by the previous developer’s failure. This challenge also gave BCD a valuable lesson on how a clear vision and a strong resolve can transform perspective. They finally revive the development and deliver the final product, thus converting those same customers into goodwill ambassadors of BCD.
Embracing Digital Transformation
In his capacity as a leader, Angad advises his employees to take advantage of digital tools while staying open to creative ideas. BCD relies solely on technology for making informed, data-driven decisions. The insights they gain help them think objectively and more creatively so that they can meet the actual demands of the market. This approach is crucial given the dynamic nature of the market. Luckily, BCD has been actively innovating to reinvent itself.
For example, one of their innovations is pioneering concepts of redefining education and offering quality student housing through Educity. BCD has also leveraged its expertise and experience in real estate service offerings. With BCD Vanaprastha, they developed India’s first and only rental accommodation for seniors. The group has successfully created an extensive network across four countries and partnered with a German company to revolutionize the Indian construction industry.
Nurturing Societal Well-being and Economic Growth
Embracing a profound sense of responsibility, BCD prioritizes impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to societal well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BCD ensured stability for 5000 workers and families, providing unwavering support during challenging times.
Over the past two years, BCD’s CSR efforts have extended to creating employment opportunities for over 500 individuals, fostering economic growth and community prosperity. Beyond housing solutions, the group has delivered 5000 apartments to homebuyers in distress and tailored Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for Fortune 500 companies. These initiatives not only enhance BCD’s business portfolio but also contribute significantly to the broader economic landscape.
BCD’s commitment to responsible business practices includes addressing the needs of the elderly and revitalizing the real estate sector. Through these efforts, BCD leaves a lasting impact on both the industry and society, exemplifying its dedication to making a positive difference.
Strategy for Thriving in Competitive Markets
Healthy competition facilitates business growth and innovation for thriving markets. The real estate sector is characterized by a competitive nature. While the competition is intense, it also presents numerous lucrative opportunities for BCD to grow as an organization.
As a future-ready organization, BCD leverages advanced technology and recruits top talent to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, BCD has a positive investment ecosystem at its disposal. They use these elements to upgrade their services and offerings, embracing a customer-centric approach.
Commitment to Compassionate Leadership
For any business to flourish, it is important to lead from the heart as well as the mind. This leadership principle drives Angad and helps him create an environment filled with respect for each other, compassion and empathy.
All BCD employees, stakeholders and workers live by these principles, making the organization unique. “This not only makes me proud and motivated but also helps everyone work in perfect harmony and deliver excellence in everything we do,” says Angad. BCD communicates, channelizes, motivates, and trains its people, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Finding Equilibrium
Considering the kind of job Angad is involved in and the nature of his business, it is difficult for him to strike a balance between work, travel obligations and family. However, he makes sure that he does justice to every aspect of his life, be it his work or his family commitments. In this way, he is able to give each its due.
To keep himself composed and focused, Angad plays golf once every week. He also pursues horse riding whenever his diary permits. His world revolves around his wife and kids; he prefers spending quality time with them on weekends.
Pioneering Growth
Angad envisions a diversified future for BCD, aiming to expand into various industries. “We are extremely bullish on the funds that we are floating, and I think it will create a strong roadmap for the future,” he asserts. Over the next decade, Angad sees BCD as a leading real estate company in India and a prominent player overseas. Looking ahead, Angad aims to fully tap into the potential of the senior living segment, enhancing offerings with highly personalized healthcare and community services.
Furthermore, BCD plans substantial investments, including approximately Rs 200 crore in projects in Chennai and Delhi NCR. They recently launched the largest SEBI-regulated real estate Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) worth over INR 500 crores, aimed at revitalizing distressed real estate projects. This initiative not only provides crucial funding but also facilitates resolutions for stalled developments.
Highlighting BCD’s ambitious growth trajectory, Angad mentions a pipeline of projects valued close to Rs 1000 crores. These investments underscore BCD’s commitment and financial robustness in shaping the future of real estate development.
Risk, Resilience and Leadership
Angad believes leaders, even those new to their field, bring a wealth of experience and vision when they venture into entrepreneurial endeavors. Their track record of success often propels them to take this bold step. It requires a lot of guts to leave a stable position and start or lead something independently. This decision takes a lot of accountability and the strong will to boldly deal with the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
Angad believes that this confidence arises from a deep understanding of industry dynamics, strategic thinking and expertise in crisis management. Leaders possess strategic thinking abilities not just for their personal growth but for the entire organization. They are always open to adapting to new ideas, which makes them great leaders. They consistently inspire and motivate people to achieve common goals. This combination of skills and experience prepares them to lead high-growth ventures.
Transitioning from leadership roles in established organizations to becoming entrepreneur requires a massive risk appetite and the ability to hustle 24/7. Unlike established organizations, there is no predefined framework for anything. The buck stops with the leader, requiring constant availability to provide direction.
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Stereotypes and barriers can be scary for potential leaders. However, it is natural to feel apprehensive as one steps outside their comfort zone. Angad’s crucial advice to them is to have faith in themselves.
Instead of letting stereotypes or barriers limit one’s capabilities, individuals must have faith that they will do justice to their role. “You can achieve a lot only if you let go of this fear,” he emphasizes. “We are all here to fall, make mistakes and learn from those. Therefore, it is essential to make mistakes as well, as these missteps will help you identify your unique strengths – your perspective, resilience and the value you bring,” he adds.
These very qualities have propelled individuals to this point, so hold onto them. “As young leaders, you should treat obstacles and problems as opportunities to make your organization and businesses more successful.”