We are back – and keeping you safe is our number one priority
It was fantastic to get back to work last week. Here is how we are proceeding safely, yet optimistically
We are open for business. And our first full week of work since late March was exciting and a big relief.
As we sat down for our Monday morning meeting, the excitement was palpable. Even better? It was music to my ears to hear the phones ringing and to feel the buzz back in the office. Fortunately, our very recent move to our new office at 172 King Street has allowed us ample space to work at a safe distance from each other.
While we were unable to conduct in-person viewings since March 23, it was no surprise that my Assistant Sales Manager Phil Coombes needed less than 24 hours to close his first post-lockdown deal.
However, please rest assured that while we have been itching to get back to work, we’re not doing so without caution.
We have adopted a new Covid-19 policy – you can read it here – and created new guidelines to keep both staff and clients safe. These guidelines are also clearly displayed in our office window and across our social media platforms.
We have had many questions about the precautions we’re taking to protect our staff and clients, and I very much hope you’re assured that we’re doing our utmost to proceed responsibly and safely as we return to work. Your safety is our number one priority.
Familiar faces
The great news for our customers and clients is that we have retained all our key team members. And we used our time wisely during lockdown to work remotely, speaking with as many of our clients as possible so we could hit the ground running when we could re-open.
Closing our office doors presented many challenges for the team. But it is fair to say that everyone has performed admirably under the circumstances.
It has not been easy to adjust but we have done it – and I have given my team a huge thanks for their sterling efforts. We hope that the worst is behind us and we will continue to be both professional and responsible in this strange new world.
Strength through adversity
Horton and Garton is no stranger to adversity. I launched the business in the depths of the banking crash in 2008. It was not auspicious timing, but it made us stronger and smarter.
We had to adapt, change, and react positively to events – and that is why we’ve been successful enough to expand our business, our team and our market share over the past 13 years.
Compared to many local businesses, Horton and Garton remains in a strong position. We are the market leading estate agent in W6 and W12, and our track record and database of loyal and motivated clients means that we are in a really good position to take the business forward.
At a time when many other agents have cut staff and standards, we remain committed to this extraordinary part of West London and we will continue to promote the incredible work we do in the community.
I know there will be challenging times ahead for us all at home, at work, with our family and friends and our business. But I hope to share more positive news with you all shortly.
Follow Phil Coombes on Instagram – @thehammersmithterrier