Category Archives: Staff

Dawsons trio receive advanced RAN status

Dawsons trio receive advanced status as Relocation Agent Network specialists

Matthew Whitehead, Davina Rowlands and Joe Chiffi from Dawsons have received an ‘Advanced’ assessment as their company’s Relocation Agent Specialist (RAN).

The 2018 assessment was awarded by RAN. It is achieved by going above and beyond in the relocation services individuals provide to relocating families moving either from or to the Llanelli area as assessed by Relocation Agent Network based on performance results .

Only 10% of Relocation Agent Specialists from RAN across England, Scotland and Wales have received the ‘Advanced’ award.

Matthew and Joe, from Llanelli  branch, and Davina, from Killay branch, first qualified as Relocation Agent Specialists by completing Relocation Agent Network’s  comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service. A national network of leading 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.

Dawsons’ Senior Director Chris Hope said: “Having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team offers our relocating customers the added assurance that they’ll be working with someone who understands the relocation process, someone who can offer help and guidance along the way.

“We’re so proud that Matthews, Davina and Joe’s performance has been assessed this year, resulting in them achieving the ‘Advanced’ award and it’s a great example of the continual development we invest in, here at Dawsons.”

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 Llanelli, 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. As a Relocation Agent Specialist, Matthew ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “Congratulations to Matthew, Davina and Joe. To be recognised for their performance this year and receive our ‘Advanced’ assessment is truly a fantastic achievement, with only a handful of people across the Network making the grade.

“Selected by us to represent the Network in Llanelli, Dawsons has proved themselves to be 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.”

CAPTION: L-R Matthew Whitehead, Davina Rowlands and Joe Chiffi

Dawsons' Llanelli office 2018

Dawsons’ branch celebrating an eventful 10 years in Llanelli

Dawsons is celebrating after being part of the Llanelli business scene for the past decade.

And it has been an eventful 10 years that has seen the estate agent’s staff levels in the Murray Street branch double as business has grown in the area both regards sales and lettings.

Dawsons prides itself that it employs local staff, some who are Welsh speaking, who know the area like the back of their hands.

Dawsons' Llanelli office 10 years ago
Dawsons’ Llanelli office 10 years ago (Lorraine Evans, first left, and Julie Long, second from right)

Just to show how much has changed in a decade since the branch opened Dawsons has produced then and now pictures.

There is one staff member – Julie Long – who figures in both pictures spanning the 10 years.

“It seems remarkable that Dawsons has had a branch in Llanelli for 10 years – how time has flown,” said Julie.

“I was there when it all started 10 years ago and it is great how the team has expanded in that time, showing what an impact Dawsons has had locally.

“Dawsons is now a real part of the business community in the Llanelli area and that goes to show in how we support and sponsor local events such as the Burry Port Raft Race.”

Also in the original picture is Lorraine Evans, who is now managing the busy sales office in Swansea.

Not only has the staff expanded but the Llanelli office has enjoyed a special makeover to mark its anniversary.

MAIN PICTURE: L-R Angie Bastin, Matthew Whitehead, Joe Chiffi, Ian Stevenson, Caroline Pritchard, Sam Partner, Jo Roberts, Aimee Jones and Julie Long.

Relocation Agent Network

Dawsons delighted to be shortlisted for Relocation Agent Network award

Dawsons is pleased to announce they have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2017 Best Agent South Wales Region Award.

The winner will be announced at a gala awards dinner held at London’s Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, on Friday, November 17 hosted by comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope said: “We are so proud to be shortlisted for this year’s Relocation Agent Network’s Best Agent Regional Award. It really does highlight the effort, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by our team here at Dawsons.”

Relocation Agent Network’s 2017 Best Agent South Wales Region Award is an annual prize for the agent that has consistently made the best overall contribution to the Network throughout the year and offers nominees the chance to become the Network’s ‘Best Network Agent in the South Wales Region’.

To reach this stage of the award programme, agents must demonstrate excellent customer service, innovative business initiatives and a commitment to the Relocation Agent Network principles.

Richard Tucker, Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director said: “Our Best Agent Regional Awards recognise those agents that go above and beyond when it comes to customer service and business innovation and network participation. Congratulations to Dawsons for their well-deserved nomination.”

 

Dawsons launch reward card

Dawsons links up with local companies to reward customers and staff

Dawsons is delighted to announce the launch of its new customer and staff reward card on October 6th.

The reward cards will provide discount and offers to new customers and all staff at the local property agent – the first of its kind in the industry here in Swansea.

“We wanted to provide our customers with something a little different when collecting the keys for their new property and likewise to give our staff a little extra reward for all their hard work,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons’ Director of Lettings.

“So we approached several other likeminded and locally-owned companies to provide customer discount upon representation of the new card at no cost to the cardholder.”

The card can be used in local companies such as: Exall & Jones, The Yankee Shop & Candles & Co., The Optimist, 57 Barbers, Mr Jones of Mumbles, ND John Wine Merchants, Café Play, The Rose Indianne, and The Clothes Clinic and many others soon to be confirmed.

This companies on the card offer a wide range of services and will help to make life that little bit more enjoyable for Dawsons’ customers and staff.  From clothes to café’s, DIY and candles for your home to food and wine, the Dawsons reward card has something for everyone.

Senior Partner at Dawsons, Chris Hope said: ‘We are delighted to be affiliated with such companies, supporting each other in keeping business local and being able to offer both ours and affiliated company staff a little thank you for their loyalty.

“We look forward to seeing the reward card grow introducing further local companies and offers to provide the customers and staff with even more choice.’ Says Chris Hope of Dawsons.)

CAPTION Tom Hole (Exall & Jones), Ricky Purdy (Dawsons), Adrian Evans (Café Play), Naomi Webborn (Dawsons), Callum and Darren Thomas (57 Barbers), Geraint Davies (ND John), Catherine Williams (The Yankee Candle Shop and Candles & Co) Lucy Hole (The Optimist).

Dawsons aquisition of SA1 & Marina Properties

Leading Swansea estate agent announces acquisition of marina property firm

Dawsons Property has announced a merger with Marina & SA1 Properties.

The takeover sees two well established, local and trusted companies combining in a bid to enhance customer experience and other professional services to clients in the Maritime quarter.

The merger has been a seamless transition which sees the Marina & SA1 Property clients benefit from the thorough planning and cooperation of both teams from the very outset, and as the summer months move forward.

“What a great acquisition this has already proven to be, and we are already looking to the future and building what will be a special team and presence in the Marina for the exciting times ahead,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings.

“The transition has been a smooth one, with our new clients at the forefront of our objectives.

“We hope to continue this process during the weeks ahead at several open evenings and meet-the-team events that we are to hold over the summer months.

“We know how important continuity is, and agent/client rapport, so meeting in person makes for a great start to our long term working relationships.”

The Marina & SA1 Properties will now display the Dawsons brand.

The Marina and SA1 staff along with Dawsons’ Marina staff, who have been with us since the opening day at the Marina six years ago, have already formed a formidable team focusing on customer service.

Having already established a strong presence in the Marina, supported by their four other rental offices elsewhere within Swansea and Llanelli, the Dawsons brand looks to establish itself further within the Marina in readiness for the continued developments both independent and those related to the University.

With the merger, coming over to Dawsons are Irene Williams and Delyth Evans.

Irene has extensive customer service and lettings and sales negotiation experience. She is knowledgeable about the local area and property values in Swansea. She is motivated to help you sell or rent your property as quickly as possible by providing a knowledge-based valuation together with a friendly and informative service.

Delyth provides bookkeeping and accounts support. She is the “go to” lady for people who have queries about your statements or rent payments and is providing invaluable back office support to the busy front office team.

CAPTION: Tim Kostromin (Dawsons Partner) shaking hands with Roger Blakeborough-Pownall (Director of Marina and SA1 Properties) and behind left to right are Ricky Purdy (Director of Dawsons Residential Lettings), Leon Atolagbe (Dawsons Senior Negotiator and Valuer), Laura Carver (Negotiator and Senior Administrator), Naomi Webborn (Residential Lettings Department Coordinator), Michelle Ireland (Negotiator), Irene Williams (Negotiator and Administrator) and Pauline Blakeborough-Pownall (Director of Marina and SA1 Properties).

Burry Port Raft Race

Dawsons delight at being main sponsor of Burry Port Raft Race

Dawsons Property is delighted to be the main sponsor of the Burry Port Harbour Raft Race on Saturday, July 22.

The estate agency, which has one of its main branches in Llanelli, is heading up the event which is raising money not only for the Burry Port RNLI but also the Afia Banjul Football Academy in Gambia.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring this event in Burry Port but we will also to be taking part in the raft race itself,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“Many of our staff are local to Burry Port so it was natural for us to support this fun and very worthy event which is going to be a great day for the family.

“The Llanelli and Burry Port areas are very important to our business and we cover right down to Carmarthen.”

burryportraftfb

Added Chris: “Why not come down and support the raft race in the beautiful harbour setting of Burry Port.”
You can enter a team made up of 4 to 10 adults, aged 16 years and over. Entry is £50 and each team is being asked to raise a minimum of £100 deposit.

All crews are required to design and build their own rafts and paddles using begged, borrowed but not stolen materials.

Awards are on offer including best dressed raft, last raft over the line and first to sink.

There will be food and drink available, live music and special guests: Cyril The Swan, Cochyn The Dragon (Scarlets mascot) and your favourite characters from The Party Factory. There will also be children’s inflatables there.

As well as Dawsons the event is also being sponsored by the Llanelli Star, JR Events & Catering, Burns Pet Nutrition and Burry Port Co-op.

CAPTION: Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, with organisers Isabel and Craig Goodman and Burry Port RNLI crew members, officials, and fundraisers

(Ends)

L-R Donna Howell, Vivienne Jones, Kelly Israel, Tracy Hernandez and Rebekah Young

Leading estate agent announces five new appointments

Leading estate agent Dawsons is delighted to announce a raft of new appointments in its sales and lettings departments.

Five new staff have joined the Marina, Morriston and property management teams.

Both Vivienne Jones and Kelly Israel have joined the Marina branch.

Viv, the new office manager, comes with a wealth of knowledge in the property industry spanning 20 years. Previously she has worked in the new build industry, having managed numerous new developments for major ‘new homes’ builders and latterly in the second-hand market.

“Viv’s combined experience complements our busy Marina Branch in the second-hand market and our Land and New Homes Department,” said Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Dawsons Director of Residential Sales.

Kelly joins Dawsons after an interesting career that has seen her work on the Jeremy Kyle and Jerry Springer shows.

“Kelly’s customer service skills and friendly, bubbly approach have made her the success she is today, having previously worked in hospitality. We wish both Viv and Kelly every success in their ventures,” added Joanne.

Tracy Hernandez joins the Marina team as a Saturday negotiator, using her engagement, enthusiasm and her personal experiences within the property market to great effect.

“Tracy’s customer service skills are already proving a great success with our Marina clients on both the rental and sales side of the business,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons’ Director of Residential Lettings.

Rebekah Young returns to the lettings industry after a short break away. She joins the Morriston branch to support the team at a very busy period in an area she is able to recall previously gained knowledge and experience.

Donna Howell joins the property management department as a property inspector.

“Donna has an eye for detail, and great customer service experience as a result of many years working with the public. Both of these skills to be utilised on a daily basis, along with her outgoing and very personable character which our clients find very important during this period of the rental cycle,” added Ricky.

As well as new staff Dawsons has taken delivery of some new fleet vehicles.

“Dawsons fleet is seen in and around Swansea every day we wanted an eye-catching design.  The array of colourful Fiat 500s that are seen out and about have now been joined by three new cars,” Naomi Webborn Residential Lettings Department Coordinator.

CAPTION: L-R Donna Howell, Vivienne Jones, Kelly Israel, Tracy Hernandez and Rebekah Young.

Joanne Roberts, Charlotte Waddell, Lauren Peschmann, Kimberley Jones, Katie Scott, and Angelique Deias

Dawsons announces recruitment of six new staff members

Dawsons has announced the appointment of six experienced members of staff as the leading South Wales estate agency shows continued expansion.

The growth in the business has seen the need for the recruitment of Joanne Roberts, Kimberley Jones, Lauren Peschmann, Charlotte Waddell, Angelique Deias and Katie Scott in their Marina, Mumbles and Llanelli branches.

“These six appointments highlight our continued expansion and the continued appointment of experienced staff at all levels as we continue the high customer service standards we set ourselves,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings.

“New staff like this will help us in what is expected to be another busy 12 months for us.”

Joanne joins Dawsons’ Llanelli office as a residential lettings administrator having had previous experience within the industry, while Kimberley joins the Marina office also as a residential letting negotiator. This is a new role created as a result of recent success within our department and the need to expand our team.

Lauren, who hails from South Africa and previously worked on various roles on cruise ships, has been appointed our Mumbles branch as residential negotiator, to support an already and well established and strong team.

Charlotte joins the company as a property inspector, working out of both the Llanelli and Mumbles offices. Charlotte’s role requires a high standard in both administrative and customer services levels. Angelique will be working out of Mumbles as a property maintenance coordinator for both Mumbles and Llanelli offices. Angelique comes with several years’ experience within the industry, while Katie has been recruited as an administrator within the Mumbles branch.

Kimberley said: “It’s such a great opportunity for me and it’s great to join such an established firm as Dawsons.”

Lauren said: “I am so glad to have got this role at Dawsons. The people are very friendly and the work is different from day to day.”

Katie said: “The Mumbles branch is such a lovely office and a really friendly atmosphere. I definitely made the right move in joining Dawsons.

Angelique said: “I used to work for Dawsons a couple of years ago and I’m just so glad to be rejoining them. It’s great to be back!”

Charlotte said: “I am very impressed how professional and organized Dawsons are and just delighted to joined a company with so many friendly people.”

Joanne said: “I am absolutely loving working for Dawsons – the people are so friendly and I’m really enjoying my new role.”

CAPTION: L-R Joanne Roberts, Charlotte Waddell, Lauren Peschmann, Kimberley Jones, Katie Scott, and Angelique Deias