‘We are looking to raise the bar and set new standards of service’

Gaudin & Co staff. Estate agents and property management. Picture: ROB CURRIE (34305300)

HAVING worked in the finance industry for 15 years, Bradley Vowden was presented with something of a dilemma when, just before his wedding, his employers asked whether he would relocate to their London office.

‘My wife had no interest in moving to London so I knew that, professionally, I had come to a crossroads,’ he said.

Faced with these uncertain career plans, it was a conversation at his wedding reception 16 years ago which triggered his move into property.

‘I was talking to John Wright, who was a partner in Gaudin & Co, and he invited me to join the firm,’ Bradley recalled.

‘Initially, I thought the company simply sold houses, but I soon realised the full scope of the business, which ranges from sales and lettings to residential and commercial property management.’

Indeed, it is this wide spectrum of services offered which, Bradley says, makes Gaudin & Co one of the Island’s few general practice estate agencies.

‘We are also one of the oldest estate agencies in the Channel Islands, having been established in 1934, when the business comprised just a couple of people selling properties from an office in Waterloo Street,’ he said.

As the business has evolved during its nearly-90-year history, so its team and structure has also developed. One of the most recent changes was the appointment of a new partner in April.

Having worked for the Government of Jersey for more than 30 years, Nick Jewell – who first met Bradley when they were both representing the Island on the national sporting stage – now focuses primarily on the property management side of the business, which comprises a significant number of residential, block and commercial premises.

‘This is one of the most rapidly evolving areas of estate agency, with increased regulation and tenancy laws coming in, and a growing number of apartment blocks being built,’ said Nick.

‘While research shows that property management generally doesn’t have a particularly good reputation in the Island, we are looking to raise the bar and set a new standard in terms of service levels and communication with both landlords and tenants.

‘Not only do we ensure that landlords are compliant with the laws, and that our tenants are living in suitable accommodation, but we also develop bespoke agreements for each property and take a proactive approach to management, pre-empting issues with a planned preventative maintenance schedule instead of waiting for problems to occur.’

And while increased regulation may be seen as a frustration by many, Bradley and Nick not only welcome the changes already made but would like to see further legislation introduced for the industry.

‘For most people, their property is their largest asset so there should be laws in the Island to ensure that those acting for both vendors and sellers are regulated,’ said Bradley.

‘While such legislation does not currently exist, all of our sales staff are either fully qualified or are on their exam journeys, and their professional development is a crucial element of our strategy.’

Indeed, staff wellbeing and development is one of the areas on which Nick is focusing.

‘Ultimately, we want Gaudin & Co to be the place that people choose to come to work,’ he said.

‘We have recently undertaken a staff survey, asking every team member what they think we do well and where they think there is scope for improvement.

‘Their recommendations will form part of our new strategy, as we know that a happy, motivated workforce will not only enhance staff wellbeing but will also be reflected in the service we offer clients.’

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