The Richmond Magazine - January 2011
Accolades for lettings leaders
Fitz-Gibbon is on winning form. Danielle Simpson tells us why
For many, lettings means simply matching tenants and properties - but meet the agency that does much more. Fitz-Gibbon has won no less than two industry awards this year, set up a successful Small and Medium Enterprises Forum (SME) launched with Vince Cable, and established an enthusiastic team of staff who are highly trained, provide impeccable customer service and remain community focused and charity driven.
It's been a spectacular year for Fitz-Gibbon and the company has received two coveted accolades at the 2010 Lettings Agency of the Year Awards. In association with The Sunday Times and The Times, the Agency awards are the longest-running and most highly regarded in the industry so the Directors are thrilled to have scooped two awards for 'Customer Service' and 'Small Lettings Agency' of the year.
"It's a credit to our staff who are dedicated to our clients" says Susan Fitz-Gibbon, Managing Direct. Fitz-Gibbon was recognised for its fully integrated approach to customer service and for understanding how the relationship between management, staff and customers can benefit all concerned. The judges also noted that 'staff retention and average length of service is higher than most agencies'. "Fitz-Gibbon is renowned for giving a consistent committed level of service to clients so we're delighted to have been recognised for that in these industry awards" adds Susan.
Fitz-Gibbon went on to impress the judges with their 'top notch training programme', 'huge customer loyalty', 'expertise in their field' and 'ability and expertise to market properties to a global audience'. All these factors and more helped secure the silver for best Small Lettings Agency. "All our staff are fully ARLA trained or currently undergoing their industry training, so clients and tenants benefit from genuine help and advise. We're market leaders in corporate relocation and have many overseas landlords who rely on our Property Management services" adds Susan. "Our recruitment strategy helps ensure we only employ first class individuals with the drive and determination to do their best for our clients. Our awards reflect the commitment of everyone in the company".
Susan is well known for championing local issues, helping local charities and improving the way the lettings industry operates so, along with local businessman Toby Jai, Susan has also established an SME Forum this year with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. "It's been set up to give small to medium enterprise a fighting chance in these difficult times2 she explains. "Our objective is to represent SME's to local and central government along with assisting local SME's with a turnover of up to £30million - this includes sole traders, start-ups, larger retailers and businesses who are wishing to expand, need guidance and indeed wish to market their businesses throughout our community".
The forum has been a huge success and at the October launch Susan was joined by local business guest speakers and MP Vince Cable. "We want the forum to help enable a stable and sustainable local business community through targeted support, business to business development and mentoring from industry professionals" says Susan.
A Buoyant Market in 2011
"The lettings market is incredibly busy and we've had a record couple of months as the market has escalated to a degree not seen for ten years" says Jane Wheeler, Richmond Office Manager. "We've seen an increase in rents of between 5% and 8%, and in some cases more, with higher values due to high levels of demand and the return of the corporate market".
"Relocation agents are busy searching for corporate properties; individuals and families continue to seek rental accommodation while they 'wait and see' how the sales market and their financial commitments evolve, and furthermore, following the launch of our student division we're confident thee will be strong demand from the many students who return to us as we come into May".
The Richmond team have exceeded all targets this year and we're looking forward to a buoyant market in 2011".
14 Years Richmond Manager, Jane Wheeler has worked at Fitz-Gibbon for fourteen years and heads a superb team who have exceeded office targets again this year. With her partner and daughter Freya, age 2, she loves backpacking and waxes lyrical about Stackpole Quay in the Pembrokshire Coast National Park. "It's like a mind-cleansing portal to another world and Barafundle Beach can only be reached by a cliff path walk. It's breathtaking".
The Big Snooze A massive thank you to Jo Lee Lacey, Tenancy Renewal Negotiator, at the Richmond office, who took part in the overnight Big Spear Snooze in Petersham to raise £270 and awareness of homelessness in Richmond. "Spear is highly regarded in the Borough and its services include a hostel, an outreach team, a tenancy support service and a rent deposit scheme. Sleeping rough for just one night really helps put life into perspective although I'll never understand the harshness of that reality on a daily basis" says Jo.
To Paris with Love Property Manager Liz James is ploughing her years of experience at Fitz-Gibbon into refurbishing her 1930's detached house whilst training daily to pedal 250 miles to Paris for The Stroke Association in 2011. "Cyclists aim to pedal to Paris within 3 days" says Liz. "Property Managers always love a challenge - and only this morning I've given advice on damp works, arranged a refurbishment and helped clients go green by buying a more efficient boiler and looking into chemical free paint.