Profile: I began in Estate Agency in 1986 when I worked in the residential side of a family run Independent Agents who dealt in residential sales, lettings, commercial and survey work. From there I went to another long established larger Independent Agents, who’s services ranged from residential sales, lettings, auctions through to agricultural properties and land. Both companies were brought out by multiples in the 90’s.

 

I set up my own village Estate Agency (1999/2000). My experience in the Character & Country markets grew and I even sold around 20 park homes alongside village properties. In order to gain further coverage I partnered a lettings agent and together we opened up a second office in Hythe High Street. We expanded further and took on more staff. I also became a landlord several times along the way and took on many refurbishment and renovation projects which ranged from modern to period houses; as diverse from a medieval hall circa 1340 to transforming a former railway carriage into a typical weather-boarded Kentish Cottage.

 

Through running my own offices I can appreciate the early starts and late evenings. Covering sick staff and holidays when there’s no one else to do it. I worked with many other Independents and I was a key founding member and eventually chairman of LINEA (The local Independent Network of Estate Agents). The group grew to around 12-15 members of like minded agents. We came to realise that working together and sharing instructions we could pool our services, experiences, property stock and gain greater marketing opportunities. What I also learnt was that by building solid working relationships its useful having like minded associates to share thoughts and daily problems with.

 

After selling both my offices I have worked with various other agents and new homes developers. Since late 2006 I have been researching if there was the need for a modern day LINEA. By meeting with past associates and new; looking at new technology and today’s marketing needs, sourcing a specialist web software house and new technologies, so born was the basis for building The Independent Network of Estate Agents.