This month, The Guild of Property Professionals caught up with Val Shakespeare, Sales Director to discuss her idea of a perfect home and top tips for working in the property sector.

Tell us about yourself

I have 38 years of experience in the property industry and I’ve worked for the company for 17 years. 

Tell us about Royston & Lund

Royston & Lund was founded in 1994 to offer a professional estate agency service in West Bridgford, Nottingham. Today, the business still operates from the same premises on Gordon Road; a prime position right in the heart of West Bridgford town centre.

In 2018, we opened a second office in Keyworth, which is also thriving. We now employ 25 staff and are ranked by Rightmove as the leading estate agent in our area.

Describe your typical day

My typical day starts with an early morning team meeting to discuss events from the previous day as well as planning for the day ahead, sharing tips, knowledge and tea with our team. My role includes managing the sales office, head of new homes, HR, compliance, maintenance and facilities manager - as you can imagine, my days are often varied!

Why do customers choose Royston & Lund?

We are extremely proud to employ the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the area. We work as a team to provide a friendly, effective service. As independent agents we rely heavily on reputation. We endeavour to always do a fantastic job so that our clients recommend us time and time again.  After 25 years of operating in West Bridgford, we feel we have gained the trust of our community. As testament to this, we were named ‘Best Estate Agent in the UK’ at the prestigious ESTA awards in 2018.

What is next for the property market in your area? 

We are seeing a lot of new developments in our area.  Period properties in close proximity to the town centre are particularly sought after. There is a definite shortage of this style of property and we hope to see more of this style coming on to the market over the coming months.  

What charities do you support in your local area?

Last Christmas, we did some fundraising for a local homeless charity, The Friary, with the amazing help of the local community we managed to raise £550. This fantastic cause helps homeless and vulnerable adults to rebuild their lives by offering practical services, advice and emotional support.  We have also supported other charities such as, Children in Need, Comic Relief and Macmillan.

We sponsor local cricket teams, West Bridgfordians Cricket Club and Keyworth Cricket Club. In addition to this, we support four of our local schools with the Royston & Lund Sporting Achievement Award; the schools include Abbey Road, Pierrepoint Gamston, Edwalton and West Bridgford Juniors.  

If you became the Housing Minister for a day, what would you change?  

I would make the house buying process much simpler; I think one way of doing this would be by reintroducing the HiP (Home Information Pack). 

Can you give six tips for anyone who wants to work in the property sector? 

Tip 1

I believe solid customer service and excellent communication are the key skills for anyone looking to start off in the industry.  

Tip 2

Having empathy and patience with people is a must and a sense of humour often helps! 

Tip 3

An understanding of the property market is essential along with knowledge of different house types/styles/periods.  

Tip 4

Having a great understanding of the local market and the wider area as well; in terms of amenities, local schools, employers and events etc are invaluable knowledge for anyone looking to move to the area. 

Tip 5

Professionalism is a key point to remember when dealing with clients, solicitors and other professionals.

Tip 6

Master multi-tasking for those particularly busy periods!

What makes the perfect home for you? 

Modern, clean lines, a spacious ground floor space, plenty of light meaning lots of glass, a nice south facing garden, good local schooling and amenities in close proximity.  Oh, and somewhere with enough space for my two chocolate Labradors.   

Do you have any news you would like to share?

We have just celebrated our 25th birthday! I am so immensely proud of the team’s hard work throughout the years, we have managed to maintain an excellent rapport within the West Bridgford and Keyworth communities. We want to say a big thank you to our customers and we look forward to continuing to offer them great advice and the best possible service.

We are seeking a Weekend Assistant to join our busy Lettings team.

Our Residential Lettings department in West Bridgford are currently recruiting for a motivated and enthusiastic Weekend Assistant.

Duties will include;

Meeting and greeting the general public, answering and assisting with our busy phones for both the Lettings and Property Management sectors. Arranging viewings and valuations on a computerised diary system and dealing with property repairs as well as general office tasks.

Applicants must have first class communication skills and an excellent confident telephone manner. 

Working hours: - Saturdays 8.45am – 4.00pm & Sundays 9.50am – 12.00pm 

Please email your CV for consideration, with a covering letter to Mrs Stephanie Caine.

Email: [email protected] 

Closing date for applications: Monday 02^nd September 2019

Below article from Nottinghamshire Live: 

Twenty-five years ago, Notts County footballer, Gary Lund took a new professional path.  He became an estate agent.  Alongside established property professionals, Chris Royston and Liaqat Ali, the West Bridgford estate agency firm Royston and Lund was born. It was 1994, John Major was prime minister, Forrest Gump was the biggest blockbuster and Wet Wet Wet were the nation's favourite with number one hit ‘Love is all around’.

Gary, director of Royston & Lund, said: “When we first began, we wanted to open in a prime location covering West Bridgford and the surrounding areas. Chris and Liaqat had worked there for more than five years and had already forged a name for providing an excellent service based on sound local market knowledge.

"I can’t quite believe it’s been 25 years, we started out small, but we have since grown our team and our business. We now have two offices - West Bridgford and Keyworth - with more than 30 staff and have been recognised as one of the best estate agents in the area."

They opened their office with just seven properties for sale but soon established themselves in the area.

Gary added: “I am so immensely proud of the team’s hard work throughout the years, we have managed to maintain an excellent rapport within West Bridgford and further afield."

The team now includes both residential sales and lettings departments, and offers advice on a gamut of property related topics.  Val Shakespeare, sales director, may be found at the helm of the West Bridgford office.  She said: "We are delighted to celebrate our 25-years in business, and to have been part of the West Bridgford, and now Keyworth business communities, for so many successful years.

“Our longevity and continued success is very much down to the amazing team of staff at Royston and Lund. They are an absolute credit to the business. They are always passionate about what we do and are super conscientious in ensuring that our customers receive the best service. We always put our customers first to make sure that the house buying or letting experience is as smooth as possible.”

The team marked the occasion with an party to celebrate their 25th Anniversary and said thank you to their staff with cupcakes and bubbles. Now ready for the next 25 years, Val says that the company is always reviewing its growth plans and looking out for opportunities where they can expand their business.

Please note that our offices will be closed this coming Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2019.  Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday 27th August.

WE HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND IN THE SUN!

EMERGENCIES ONLY PLEASE for 'managed' properties - Please understand that a contractor will only attend to genuine emergency concerns at their own discretion, with attendance being if there is a risk of substantial damage to a property or danger to tenant/life (this does not include the facility of attending to tenants being locked out).

When our offices are closed, should you be a tenant of one of our managed properties with an emergency call out request please contact one of the listed contractors relevant to your emergency and leave a detailed message for them to return your call:

For general builders including plumbing, please try Matthew Hayes – 07980113746, Mark Adamson – 07973659775, John Firth - 07850780819 or Linton Vickers - 07800532269.

Boiler/heating emergencies Matthew Heather 07879897437

Steve Rollason for drains on 07948406537   Electrician -  Andy Beever @ ARB Tel: 07966246727 or Martyn Lacey Tel: 07854153988

We would also request that you check your move in letter for individual property information as to whether your landlord has got British Gas or Homeserve call-out cover or a similar policy in place with a preferred tradesman. If this is the case please contact them direct and quote your postcode and the membership number. 

Thank you. 

The Latest winner of the Royston & Lund Sporting Achievement Award winner at Pierrepont Gamston Primary School is Darcey Graham.  

Whether in the classroom or on the sporting field, Darcey demonstrates impeccable effort and enthusiasm with an admiral drive to succeed. Darcey has tried her hand in every sport and excelled in many, also having shown a love and great talent for cricket (rather fittingly with the success of both men’s and ladies cricket).  She is an exceptional hockey player, a key member of the girls football team and is an amazing role model showing great sportsmanship.

The presentation was made in the annual Leavers Assembly, where the head of year, Mr Sharp was delighted to also receive the £200 donated to the school to spend on sporting equipment assisted by Darcey. 

Darcey is pictured receiving the award from Director Liaqat Ali.

We are delighted to announce the latest winner of the Royston & Lund Sporting Achievement Award as Jacob Hughes.  Jacob is a pupil at Abbey Road Primary School; he partakes in numerous sporting activities and is a real team player.  He plays cricket for Notts youngsters and is apparently an amazing goalkeeper too.  Jacob is an inspiration to his fellow pupils at Abbey Road and recently helped the school Athletics Team in winning the overall Highest Achievers School Award in the Rushcliffe Area Sports Day. 

The presentation was made to a full house in assembly and rather fittingly, the children's entrance was to the theme tune for the BBC's cricket coverage! He received a rapturous round of applause when he accepted a large trophy, with a smaller replica to keep; in addition to this £200 was donated to the school to spend on sporting equipment of his choice. 

Watch this space for the upcoming award at Pierrepont Gamston.

Jacob is pictured receiving the award from Director Liaqat Ali.

WEEKEND ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE

Our residential Sales department in West Bridgford are currently recruiting for a motivated and enthusiastic Weekend Assistant.

Duties will include;

✔️Meeting and greeting the general public, answering and assisting with our busy phones for sales.

✔️Arranging viewings and valuations on a computerised diary system and general office tasks.

✔️Applicants must have first class communication skills and an excellent confident telephone manner. Computer knowledge is required.

✔️Working hours:- Saturdays 9.00am – 4.00pm & Sundays 10.00am – 12.00pm

Please email your CV for consideration, with a covering letter to Val Shakespeare

Email: [email protected]

WEEKEND ASSISTANT POSITION AVAILABLE

Our residential lettings department in West Bridgford are currently recruiting for a motivated and enthusiastic Weekend Assistant.

Duties will include;

✔️Meeting and greeting the general public, answering and assisting with our busy phones for lettings.

✔️Arranging viewings and valuations on a computerised diary system and general office tasks.

✔️Applicants must have first class communication skills and an excellent confident telephone manner. Computer knowledge is required.

✔️Working hours:- Saturdays 9.00am – 4.00pm & Sundays 10.00am – 12.00pm

Please email your CV for consideration, with a covering letter to Stephanie Caine

Email: [email protected]

ACCOMPANIED VIEWER REQUIRED
Due to high demand we require property viewers to show potential buyers around properties to help successfully let a targeted number of properties covering West Bridgford and the surrounding areas.

✔️Customer service and good communication skills is a must.

✔️A full driving license valid in the UK and use of your own vehicle is essential for this role.

The ideal candidate will be required to work Saturdays between the hours of 9.30am – 4.00pm with the flexibility to extend these hours as and when required. Holiday cover will also be required.

Please email your CV for consideration, with a covering letter to Val Shakespeare

Email: [email protected]

We are delighted to announce that Megan Stafford has completed her apprenticeship which we have supported her with over the last 12 months.  

Megan has worked incredibly hard and is thrilled to become a full time fully qualified member of our team.  In addition to her apprenticeship in Business Administration, she has also been granted the title of Advanced Associate Member of The Guild of Property Professionals, the UK’s most prestigious network of independent agents.

To pass the examination, candidates are required to demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of some 40 modules. These are organised into four key components; Fundamentals of Effective Selling; Valuing and Property Appraisal Skills; Marketing and Property Promotion and Developing your Estate Agency Skill Set.

Congratulating Megan on her achievement, Val Shakespeare, Sales Director said: “We extremely proud of Megan who has worked incredibly hard to earn this fantastic double achievement! With her knowledge, skills and professional competence, Megan is an incredibly valuable member of our team."

We are delighted to announce Iris Buttery as the latest winner of the Royston & Lund Sporting Achievement Award. Iris attends West Bridgford Juniors and partakes in numerous sporting activities and is a real team player, always encouraging and helping her teammates. The presentation was made to a full house in assembly and Iris received the longest round of applause ever in the 9 years of making the award! As usual, Iris, received a large trophy with a smaller replica to keep, in addition to £200 donated to the school to spend on sporting equipment of her choice. Watch this space for the upcoming awards at Abbey Road and Pierrepont Gamston.

Iris is pictured receiving the award from Director Gary Lund.

A formerly temporary right that gave homeowners the ability to extend their properties up to eight metres without formally seeking planning permissions has now been made permanent, amidst a package of planning reforms from the Government.

If you have been thinking of adding some extra space to your property, then this will come as welcome news, as the protracted permissions can now be avoided altogether. Under the new legislation, terraced or semi-detached homes may add a single-storey extension of up to 6 metres and detached properties see this increased to 8 metres.

Housing Minister Kit Malthouse MP said: “These measures will help families extend their properties without battling through time-consuming red tape.

“This is part of a package of reforms to build more, better, faster and make the housing market work – and sits alongside our drive to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.”

Further to changes for the housing sector, business owners are also privy to favourable planning rules; shops are now able to change to office space without the need for a full planning application. These business reforms build on changes which now allow businesses to change the use of buildings from takeaways to new homes without the need for a full planning application.

Planning permission can equate to a minefield of red tape for homeowners looking to add space to their current property, often being a key factor in a decision whether to extend or not. Interestingly, 15% of Britons state that they are unable to remember whether they have the correct planning for amendments to their properties which could cause headaches when they decide to sell up and the requisite paperwork is demanded. With over 100,000 extensions completed under the previously temporary rules since 2014, an increase in home improvements could now be seen as sellers take advantage of the newly-embedded legislation.