Photo Caption: L-R Sir Clive Woodward, Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy & Mumbles Letting Manager Tom Hope & Nick Huntley of ZPG

Dawsons was awarded the title of Wales Lettings Agency of the Year at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, and sponsored by ZPG.

On Friday 10^th June, hundreds of leading letting agents from across the UK attended a glittering ceremony at The Lancaster London Hotel where the winners of the most highly regarded awards in the lettings industry were revealed. The winners were presented with their awards by rugby and Olympic leadership legend Sir Clive Woodward, with renowned journalist, author and newsreader Penny Smith acting as compere.

Award winners were selected following a rigorous and thorough judging process overseen by a panel of 20 industry experts who assessed initial entry submissions before conducting an extensive review of the entrants, including over 150 hours of telephone interviews and independent mystery shopping exercises.

Dawsons, winners of the Wales Lettings Agency of the Year, was delighted to receive the award.

“Winning this year is a fantastic achievement, and something that we have worked towards for the past 12 months. Receiving gold in 2015 represented many, many months of effort and continued progression, but to retain such an accolade for a second year really is a special achievement,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

The judging process was managed by Property Ombudsman Katrine Sporle, whilst Mark Hayward of the NAEA acted as Arbiter. The winners were competing for property management and overall awards by business size and/or region, and accolades were also awarded across a number of specialist categories, from marketing to relocation.

Now in their seventh year as a dedicated competition for the lettings industry, these awards have become widely recognised as the most prestigious and difficult to win. With more entrants than ever before, thousands of British lettings and property management offices were represented this year, but only the very best of the best were crowned winners.

Ricky added, “This award represents every staff member and all departments working as a whole, with our landlords and tenants being at the forefront and our key motivation. We have a great mix of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, which I know will carry on the momentum of such achievements long into the future.”

The regional awards were sponsored by ZPG whilst the specialist categories were sponsored and supported by some of the industry’s leading suppliers including Boomerang, Brief Your Market and Samsung.

Lettings

Swansea open evening is back & bigger than ever! Event welcomes landlords ahead of licensing deadline

June 1, 2016 Editor

Photo Caption: Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy

The rental sector across the UK property market remains a hot bed of activity; most recently the question raised is how landlords can continue to self-manage a property in Wales whilst adhering to the requirements of Rent Smart Wales. To ensure landlords throughout the region have the correct advice and support so they may continue letting from November 23^rd this year, Swansea-based letting agent Dawsons is set to host another informative open evening after their April event proved to be a great success, and this one is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Taking place on Tuesday 21^st June 2016 at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea, the Dawsons lettings team will share their knowledge and the most up-to-date industry insights on landlord registration and licensing.

“Since 23^rd November 2015, it has become a requirement for all landlords operating in Wales to become registered. As part of this new requirement from Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, landlords were given one year to comply with this obligation, as is the case for licensing should a landlord manage a property without the use of a letting agent. The open evening will be in line with our countdown to the November 23^rd 2016 deadline,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

In order to register with Rent Smart Wales, a landlord must provide accurate and current information about themselves and their rental properties. However, despite Rent Smart Wales being set up and run through Cardiff Council assisted by the wider Welsh Government to help landlords across the entirety of Wales, many are still unaware of the change in legislation, how to register as a landlord and whether the new requirement of licensing even applies to them.

“We promise an informative evening designed to update self-managing landlords on this hot topic. Landlords can take full advantage of this opportunity to learn of the time frames, initial requirements and landlord costs as well as the ongoing needs that mandatory licensing puts upon private sector landlords within Wales. All landlords will be provided with informative guides and introductory packs to take away and benefit from. Our team will also be available to offer professional assistance prior to the November deadline, with greatly discounted service options available on the night for those who see the introduction of licensing as an ideal opportunity to utilise the services of a letting agency,” concluded Ricky.

If you wish to be included in this event, please call Dawsons’ city centre office on 01792 301000 or email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk to confirm your place. Limited spaces available.

Charitable Events, Dawsons

Leading estate agent gets down and dirty for charity after taking on the Clyne Valley mud assault challenge

June 1, 2016 Editor

Photo Caption: The Dawsons Team and representatives from the Wallich at Clyne Valley Assault Course

Known for being the ‘muddiest assault challenge in the world’, 16 staff members from Swansea-based estate agency Dawsons were ready and willing to take on the extreme trail at Clyne Valley to raise money for a great cause that is close to all their hearts.

To support their chosen charity The Wallich – an organisation that aims to make life better for homeless people providing the accommodation and support to help them live safely, happily and more independently – the Dawsons mud challenge team, which included company directors Ricky Purdy and Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, attempted the challenge with hilarious results!

“It was a great day, one that brought many staff members together outside the everyday working environment. We were thrilled by the level of commitment shown by staff who participated, especially those who lost shoes, lost their way and lost their dignity, that being all of us! The mud challenge enabled us to support our chosen charity and help homeless individuals throughout Swansea and the rest of South West Wales,” said Ricky, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

“Jo and I have really enjoyed the events and fundraising activities so far, and just knowing that the money raised to date has already made a difference and will continue to do so gives us all a great sense of achievement. We look forward to continuing our relationship with The Wallich through the remainder of 2016 and beyond.”

The fundraising event, which took place on Sunday 15^th May, saw the team undertake 121 challenges, including a sniper crawl through deep mud. Dawsons has raised funds totalling just over £700 to date from a number of fundraising events, including an Easter bonnet competition, a ‘guess the number of Easter eggs’ raffle, a general collection at all of their offices, and the aforementioned mud assault course challenge.

After recently meeting with representatives from The Wallich, they have also set an agenda for fundraising during the summer months. The Dawsons team is currently busy organising a Wimbledon tennis competition, a Euro 2016 sweepstake and a fundraising evening, which will take place in September and include great raffle prizes, an auction, charity speakers and much, much more. Further information regarding all fundraising events, and more importantly how to get hold of tickets for each will be released during the weeks ahead.

Joanne, Director of Residential Sales, added, “The mud assault challenge is one of the many events we have lined up this year to help raise money for The Wallich. Helping to prevent homelessness and provide accommodation to support and help the homeless live safely and independently, The Wallich delivers a wide range of services to the most vulnerable in our communities. Dawsons, being in the business of providing homes albeit from very different corners, wants to give something back and work with a charity that does have a similar focus.”

“It’s great that Dawsons has been able to raise over £700 already, and their enthusiasm and involvement really will make a difference. We are looking forward to working with Dawsons over the summer months, and are sure they’ll continue to promote the charity and our great work,” concluded a representative from The Wallich.

Dawsons, Lettings

The Salisbury, Swansea, re-invented

May 19, 2016 Editor

Churchill Buildings is set to join the cast of one of Swansea’s most desirable apartment developments by replacing the Ballroom in Walter Road’s ‘The Salisbury’ with a high specification kitchen & substantial sized lounge.

You could be entertaining guests where ladies and gentlemen of the 1920’s danced to the Charleston! The new and exciting development enjoys a prestigious location just a stone’s throw from the heart of the City of Swansea, with all major transport links being within walking distance.

There is a selection of executive apartments boasting contemporary kitchens, oversized bathrooms – some with roll top baths. Original features such as bare brick walls and fireplaces produce a spectacular look, with each flat benefitting from its own quirky style.

With some of its apartments enjoying 1000+ square footage, these really do need to be seen! Prices start from £695pcm. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Dawson’s on 01792 301000.

Dawsons, Heart of Swansea Loyalty Card, New Investment

Leading estate agent teams up with Swansea BID to unlock savings in the heart of the city

April 19, 2016 Editor

Photo Caption: L to R Russell Greenslade CEO BIDS and Ricky Purdy Director of Residential Lettings, Dawsons

To extend their ethos for delivering independent solutions, Dawsons has collaborated with the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID) team to promote the city’s loyalty card scheme.

The independently owned estate agent, who is celebrating 25 years of trading this year, will be working with Swansea BID to ensure individuals across South Wales have access to the latest and greatest money saving offers. The new city centre loyalty card, courtesy of the Big Heart of Swansea, delivers savings in shopping, health and beauty, food and drink, home, and leisure. Current offers include free hot pod yoga sessions and discounts on everything from beauty treatments to butchered meat and shoe repairs.

“We are delighted to have one of Swansea’s best known estate agents supporting the city centre and the loyalty card concept, which is an important sales promotion for all BID members and rewards the general public for shopping in the city centre,” said Russell Greenslade, CEO of Swansea BID.

Swansea BID is one of only five BIDs in Wales and aims to make the city centre a bustling hub where people can shop, visit, stay and socialise.

Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, and Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales, added, “We feel this is a great opportunity to engage with local businesses and the community we live in by spreading the word about the Big Heart of Swansea Loyalty Card. Dawsons’ Sales and Rentals branches will be distributing the loyalty card to all their clients to ensure that they don’t miss out on some great savings, whether it be a saving on a night out, something new for the home or a well-deserved pamper day. Our offices have also been selected by Swansea BID as registration and card collection points for the public not just our current or possible clients.”

To find out more about the city centre loyalty card, please visit www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk/loyalty-card-and-offers.

Dawsons, Lettings

Leading estate agent’s Rent Smart Wales open evening proves to be a sell-out success amongst local landlords

April 18, 2016 Editor

Landlords across the region were given the support and advice they needed thanks to Swansea-based estate agent Dawsons’ recent ‘Rent Smart Wales’ open evening.

Taking place at their Walter Road branch, the event provided essential information regarding landlord registration and licensing, as well as the approaching registration deadline, areas that have been hot topics among landlords in Swansea and the rest of Wales since the introduction of new legislation back in November 2015.

“We hoped that the evening would be well received and informative for landlords across Swansea and Llanelli, and this proved to be the case. We had a fantastic turnout, and our team has already received some great feedback from those who attended. Thanks to the information and additional support provided, I’m certain that many landlords are now fully reassured and fully updated in regards to their licensing and registration obligations with Rent Smart Wales,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

Dawsons’ lettings department greeted almost 20 landlords over their original allocation when they opened their doors on Tuesday 12^th April 2016. The team is already planning additional events to ensure landlords everywhere can stay up-to-date whatever changes the latest legislation may bring.

“All in attendance will be updated regularly as part of our service following the event, and will be guided through requirements should they ever need a helping hand. Those landlords who attended the event now know we are only a phone call away,” concluded Ricky.

To discover more about Dawsons’ next landlord open evening, additional upcoming events or their comprehensive range of landlord services, please call 01792 301000 or email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk. Further information about Rent Smart Wales and associated landlord accreditation, registration and licensing can also be found at www.rentsmart.gov.wales.

Lettings

Swansea open evening set to assist landlords in how to comply ahead of licensing deadline

April 4, 2016 Editor

Photo Caption: Director of Residential lettings Ricky Purdy

The rental sector across the UK property market remains a hot bed of activity; most recently the question raised is how landlords can continue to self-manage a property in Wales whilst adhering to the requirements of Rent Smart Wales. To ensure landlords throughout the region have the correct advice and support so they may continue letting from November 23^rd this year, Swansea-based letting agent Dawsons is set to host an informative open evening at their Walter Road branch.

Taking place on Tuesday 12^th April 2016 from 6pm, Dawsons’ lettings department will open its doors and its team of time served property experts will share their knowledge and the most up-to-date industry insights on landlord registration and licensing.

“Since 23^rd November 2015, it has become a requirement for all landlords operating in Wales to become registered. As part of this new requirement from Part 1 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, landlords were given one year to comply with this obligation, as is the case for licensing should a landlord manage a property without the use of a letting agent. The open evening will be in line with our eight month countdown to the November 23^rd 2016 deadline,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

“We promise an informative evening designed to update self-managing landlords on this hot topic. Landlords can take full advantage of this opportunity to learn of the time frames, initial requirements and landlord costs as well as the ongoing needs that mandatory licensing puts upon private sector landlords within Wales. All landlords will be provided with informative guides and introductory packs to take away and benefit from, and our team will also be available to offer professional assistance prior to the November deadline,” concluded Ricky, with greatly discounted service options also available on the night for those who see the introduction of licensing as an ideal opportunity to utilise the services of a letting agency.

If you wish to be included in this event please call our city centre office 01792 301000 email rsw@dawsonsproperty.co.uk to confirm your place. Limited spaces available.

New Homes, New Investment, Relocation

Could exciting new development plans transform Swansea as we know it?

April 4, 2016 Editor

Swansea city centre and its seafront have already undergone quite the transformation in recent years. In addition to Swansea Bay welcoming a plethora of new businesses, the city’s university has aligned with their world class reputation for research, innovation and education by doubling its campus in size, signalling a brighter future for its students, staff and the surrounding area. But the city’s exciting regeneration plans don’t end there…

Here Chris Hope, Partner at Dawsons Estate Agents, talks us through the multi-million pound proposals and the impact that the revamp could have on the economy, tourism, and the businesses and residents that call Swansea their home.

From the high street to the seafront

According to plans unveiled by Swansea Council, the city centre, from the high street to its harbour, is in for a major transformation. If approved, the outline plans will see two sites undergo redevelopment with work due to start as early as 2017. With developer Rivington Land & Acme leading the way, St David’s shopping centre, along with its car parking facilities, will face redevelopment with a landmark tower and 3,500-seat arena the jewels in the crown of the centrally based leg of the project. The tower is said to be designed to rival the Meridian Tower, whilst the neighbouring retail and restaurant facilities will provide a vibrant quarter at the heart of the city.

On the seafront, Trebor Developments will construct an aquatics research centre and public aquarium as well as a range of apartments, townhouses, eateries and public spaces.

The impact on our local economy

The increased level of facilities is what will really set the new and improved Swansea city centre and seafront apart from not just its former offering but from other cities and towns in Wales, including nearby rival Cardiff. If the developments were to go ahead as outlined the project will improve the look and feel of the high street ten-fold creating a welcoming environment for city centre businesses looking to set up shop within the area. In addition to generating more vibrancy, the development will attract even more investment with the proposals already resulting in a variety of ambitious and high quality shortlisted bids for both the Civic Centre and St David’s sites.

The new arena will also provide the facilities for a host of events, concerts and performances, a prospect that will increase tourism and spending within the area to support big and small brands based in Swansea. Tourism will be increased further thanks to the addition of what will be a world-leading aquarium and aquatics centre.

What will the plans mean for us?

For residents and businesses alike the potential for long term investment within the area will unlock a selection of exciting opportunities. For individuals, job prospects will increase dramatically, particularly within the retail and hospitality fields, whilst residential property values are likely to receive a boost thanks to access to the improved facilities. Business owners will also reap the rewards with enhanced footfall securing high ROI.

Like my fellow residents and business owners, I too am urging the redevelopment plans for Swansea city centre and seafront to go ahead sooner rather than later. I know I speak for many when I say that Swansea as a whole is tired of so many false dawns with delays relating to rail electrification, the procrastination of tidal lagoon and the job losses at Tata Steel just some of the issues casting negativity over whether this particular regeneration project will get the green light. This city really needs this development to happen for the reasons stated in this article and so many more!

Dawsons, Relocation

Relocation specialist joins Dawsons

March 21, 2016 Editor

Helen Whitter-Jones from Dawsons in Killay is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to the Killay, Gower and surrounding areas, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Dawson’s, partner Mr Chris Hope said, “We take staff development very seriously and Helen’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set. Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said, “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in , Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

Charitable Events

Swansea estate agent marks its 25-year anniversary with new charity partnership

March 18, 2016 Editor

Photo Caption: Members of the Wallich community partnerships team with Dawsons’ Directors – Joanne Summerfield-Talbot & Ricky Purdy

Dawsons is pleased to announce a new partnership for 2016. To commemorate 25 years of trading, the Swansea-based estate agent is launching a series of events and initiatives starting with the sponsorship of a great cause that is already doing some excellent work in Swansea and the rest of Wales.

The Wallich aims to make life better for homeless people providing accommodation and support to help them live safely, happily and more independently. The charity started in 1978 with the opening of a 20-bed hostel in the heart of Cardiff and now works with 16 Local Authorities throughout Wales to deliver a wide range of services to the most vulnerable in our communities.

“During our time within the property sector we’ve helped thousands of people across the country find a place to live. This charity is different and focuses on those who, for whatever reason, simply do not have the means or resources to secure a home for themselves or their families. The Wallich projects are designed to prevent homelessness providing the advice, mediation and bonds people need to gain access to privately rented accommodation and as a property based business, we are delighted to support this truly humbling charity,” said Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales at Dawsons.

Dawsons officially launched their partnership with The Wallich at their Marina office, just one of the branches in their region-wide network. Their partnership will see a calendar of social events throughout the year, such as the ‘Clyne Valley mud assault challenge’ and ‘Clash of the Corporates’, where the firm will be looking for sponsorship and, on a more serious note, focusing on mentoring and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Director of Residential Lettings, Ricky Purdy, added, “This is a very special year for Dawsons and we wanted to support a local charity that operates within our community. The Wallich and Dawsons are both in the business of providing homes for people, albeit from very different corners, but we wanted to give something back and work with a charity that has a very similar focus to ourselves. We start today with our first donation. These monies will go towards raising the deposits needed and purchasing the everyday essentials to get them started in their own private rented homes.”

“We are really excited to be working with a local business, and the opportunity is even more rewarding because there is so much synergy between us. With Dawsons’ support we will be able to fund any gaps in local services throughout the year, innovate locally and focus on finding lasting solutions for the homeless in Swansea,” said Jan Balsdon, Head of Community Partnerships at The Wallich.

Dawsons

Leading estate agent Dawsons receives coveted award at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016