25 years of Bradleys

- Thu 01 Jun 2017

Starting with a single office in Rolle Street, Exmouth on the 1st June 1992, Bradleys Estate Agents Ltd opened its doors to the home-moving public. 25 years on, we now operate as the largest independently owned Estate Agent in the West Country, and have sold over 55,000 properties, just one of many statistics highlighting the experience and knowledge that we can provide our clients with when looking to move.

To get an insight into this landmark occasion, I caught up with Bradleys Group Chairman, Brian Bradley, to gain and insight into what it has taken to achieve to reach this significant milestone as well as what keeps him motivated.

KL. You have grown the company to become a huge success and market leaders across the West Country, what do you feel is the greatest achievement in the last 25 years?

BB. The greatest achievement, in my opinion over the last 25 years has been the quality of staff we have been fortunate enough to employ. Of the 220 staff we currently employ, 80 of them have been with us over 10 years, 13 of them have been with us over 20 years and I’m really pleased to say that the original three; Cathy Nickels, Lisa Findel-Hawkins and Robin Middleton, have been there from the start.

KL. The property industry has changed dramatically from 1992, how have you managed to stay ahead of your competitors?

BB. I think going back to the first question, I think our staff have been instrumental in keeping us ahead by employing the best people. Also, Bradleys are a group of companies, we don’t just sell houses. We have a huge Property Rental Department a Chartered Surveyors company and a Financial Services company and therefore are more than just Estate Agents.

KL. How has advance in technology altered the way the company operates?

BB. Having launched our first website in 1997, we feel we are at the forefront of technology and it has without doubt enabled us to reach a far wider audience and obviously this continues to grow. Our website now is in my opinion, is the best available. Internally many aspects have changed but it is important to use the technology that actually assists our business and to support the high quality of customer service we provide to our clients.

KL. Can you think of an example of this?

BB. Well the development of our Customer Services Department, which is open until 10pm, 7 days a week was created after identifying the demand from customers wanting to contact us outside of our normal operating hours. It really has been a huge benefit to all parties, whether looking to buy, rent, sell or let.

KL. The company continues to be a huge success, what keeps you motivated and driven to continue the success?

BB. Personally I’m motivated by the people. I enjoy working with the management team, the board of Directors and that gives me a great buzz and I hope to continue for many years to come.

It was a pleasure to meet with Brian as it always is, the clear message; the people within the business are vital to its success. This is just the same now as it was in 1992 when Brian started this highly successful company with a motto: People Serving People.

What to do next...

If you are keen to know what vacancies there are at Bradleys, simple visit this page

If you wish to gain an up to date market appraisal of your home, start here.

To find out more about Brian and the Board of Directors, you can visit ‘About Us’

We would like to thank Eagle One Developments for allowing us to record the interview at their luxury development, The Point in Exmouth Quay.

Kai Logan - Bradleys Marketing Manager

Kai Logan
Bradleys Marketing Manager

25 years of Bradleys

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