We are a fast growth company so I expect results to improve, however as a team we managed to increase business by 44% over the course of the year. Our lettings team and financial services teams grew by the largest amount and the year saw the establishment of the Doncaster branch, the formation of Land and New Homes and the acquisition of Arena Lettings in York.
2014 also saw the introduction of the admin centre, which I believe has worked very well, the introduction of professional photographers and the introduction of Net Promoter Score as a key measure of quality in the business. In April 2014 we were judged as the Best Small Lettings Agency in the North and in December we beat Manning Stainton to best Medium Agency in the North. Get in! Having read all of that it really does sound impressive – doesn’t it?
In terms of internal promotions, there were plenty:
- Sarah-Jane Taylor – Associate Director
- Hugh Sneddon – Director
- Ann Booker – Admin Centre Manager
- Carrie Howcroft – Administrator (formerly an apprentice)
- James Danbury – Branch Manager
- Helena Stubbs – Senior Branch Manager
- James Hardwick-Wilson – Lettings Manager
I would try to list all the negotiator upgrades, but I’m afraid I might miss one! I just want to make the point that I am passionate about creating opportunity for all of you by training you and developing the business.
It’s a good time to let you know that I will be looking to run the next management development program starting in the next few months. Anyone who is interested, please discuss it with you line manager and let me know. You are not guaranteed to be accepted, but I will speak to everyone who is interested.
This year I suspect will be a lot more about ‘under the hood’ improvements in terms of service and process to make our operation more consistent and slicker.
That being said, this year looks to be no less eventful with Hugh Sneddon moving into Sheffield to bring the Preston Baker brand into new areas. There are significant plans for investment into Leeds, more business acquisitions. There is a real appetite to ensure that we consolidate a lot of the businesses that were invested in last year. This would include, Doncaster, Land and New Homes and Lettings.
Reflection on Values
My final though is that James and I did a lot of thinking over the Winter about our values and how these are reflected in our business on a daily basis. The previous values were too wordy and cumbersome and I didn’t really feel inspired when I looked at them. When I look at these words, I am filled with a sense that people with the some or all of these qualities are the people I want to be around. These are the qualities that I am proud to be associated with. I’ve added a few words below each of them to help clarify what they mean to me. Hopefully they can all mean something slightly different to all of us, but still being focussed on the same goal.
Attitude
Constructive, positive, resilient, determined, focused, fun, loyal
Community
Understanding that we are all fortunate to be where we are, treating colleagues and clients with respect, helping Preston Baker be part of your local community
Energy
Enthusiastic, hard-working, high work rate, phone glued to ear!