Tag Archives: Employment

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.

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

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!

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Expanding South Wales Estate Agents make key Sales Director appointment

Leading Estate Agents Dawsons has made a significant appointment by announcing Joanne Summerfield-Talbot as Director of Residential Sales.

It is a challenging new role that Dawsons has created due to the need to provide ‘excellent customer service’ in conjunction with improving sales success and the overall expansion of the company.

“Joanne will be responsible to research and communicate with other estate agents across the country, looking to utilize new ideas to improve the overall ‘buying/selling experience’ of the Swansea estate agency market within Dawsons,” said Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“We already have a Director of Residential Lettings in Ricky Purdy and we felt we needed to counter balance that with a Director of Residential Sales and Joanne fits everything we were looking for in someone with expertise in both sales and management. She is a perfect blend to direct the sales department.

Joanne, 49, began her career in estate agency in 1983, working her way through the ranks to senior manager at a well-known independent agency heading up their Swansea Sales operation.

She joined Dawsons 12 years ago, initially in their Auction Department before becoming manager at the firm’s Gorseinon Branch in 2007, enjoying great success year on year.

“Due to the continued success and expansion of the company the role of ‘Director of Residential Sales’ has been created and I am so thrilled to be given the opportunity by the Partners,” said Joanne.

“Of course there will be challenging times ahead as in all industries.  However, I feel I am more than ready and capable to meet the demands.

“I have a particular interest in training and the development of staff and systems so as to collectively ensure what organisation changes/business policies and legal compliance are necessary, in our ever changing industry.  So as to maintain our number one position as Swansea’s leading estate agent competing in future property markets. “

Joanne’s daily activities will include being the day-today point of contact for Dawsons’ eight sales branches, as well as recruitment, training and continuous development of all sales staff, reviewing and implementing new business policies and ultimately driving Dawsons forward to maintain Dawsons as Swansea’s leading agent.

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Becoming an estate agent proves to be the nation’s top career move

As the market continues to gain traction, Dawsons has revealed a new industry focus as the role of an estate agent becomes the nation’s hottest property.

The award winning estate agent has recently recruited five new employees, each of which will take on a ‘Saturday negotiator’ position at one of Dawsons’ 13 branches.

“Welcoming five new members to the team shows a new level of respect for becoming an estate agent. All of our new starters are passionate about pursuing their positions as a long-term career, and for some it can offer the perfect route to getting back to work after having a family,” said Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons.

Graduate Myles Ellis Thomas is one of the new starters that has recently joined the Dawsons team. After studying law at the University of Leicester, Myles returned to his hometown of Cardiff and applied to Dawsons soon after. As a Welsh and French speaker, the Dawsons team will not only benefit from his legal expertise but also his multi-linguistic talents to reach a wider range of customers.

Myles added: “Despite only being with the company for the past few weeks, I’m really enjoying the training to become proficient with the varied workload aspects that this industry has to offer. No two days are the same, and it’s a great feeling to help find a buyer that special place that they can call home.”

Katie Skilton is a young mum who’s joined Dawsons Morriston office, to be trained as a ‘Saturday negotiator’. ‘I’m delighted to have the chance to get back into work and within a company who offer great career opportunities of full time work when I feel I’m ready’

“As the industry changes and the role of the estate agent enjoys higher respect, myself and the rest of the Dawsons team look forward to watching our company and the wider industry grow and develop further,” concluded Chris.

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Swansea estate agent welcomes new additions after jobs surge

Leading independent estate agent Dawsons has announced further jobs growth for the South West Wales area.

In the wake of receiving the silver award for Wales Lettings Agency of the Year at the prestigious Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2014, Dawsons has welcomed several new additions to their team. Charlie Williams and Laura Waite have joined their Llanelli branch, whilst their Morriston branch welcomes Bernadette Howells to the team.

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The estate agent’s Marina office sees Catrin  Kingston join their growing team. The final addition is Stephen Cadmore, who will be based at Dawsons’ Mumbles branch.

“We’re delighted to welcome each and every new addition to the wider Dawsons family. As an independent estate agent we are passionate about providing opportunities within the local area and feel that the expertise offered by our new staff members will not only enhance our existing team but provide a better service to our residential and commercial clients,” said Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawsons.

The Dawsons team has grown significantly in recent years and now employs around 116 staff members. The firm is independently run by three individual partners, all of which use their 20 plus years of experience to guide the wider team. With branches in Swansea, Gorseinon, Killay, Llanelli, Mumbles, Morriston, Sketty and Swansea Marina, Dawsons attributes its wider success to its team’s experience, expertise and local knowledge.

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Ricky added: “After our recent success at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2014 it seemed like the perfect time to expand our team and utilise experienced new employees across all of our branches. I would like to thank the staff at all of our branches and look forward to following the progress of the newest members of the team.”