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Success developed from a different focus

PROP-Search is a firm of commercial property agents and chartered surveyors with offices in Wellingborough, Northampton and Milton Keynes.

Established by Simon Toseland and Chris Billson in September 2008 (right at the point that the recession started) the company is now celebrating its tenth year in business.

Having already spent 22 years in the industry, Simon and Chris enjoyed a loyal and 99 per cent of that base moved their business to Prop-Search, equating to some 350 properties on the books from day one.

While the experience and track record of the directors formed the foundation of the company and its services, the name Prop-Search was chosen specifically to focus on the internet as a medium for businesses searching for suitable premises.

The company website was designed to focus on property – an obvious predisposition but one that the majority of competitors’ websites overlooked with their sites (at that time) opening with pages of information on the company and its people and services.

Prop-Search’s approach was further differentiated by the website’s ‘behind the scenes’ software and processes that focused on the enquiries and the occupiers rather than properties. This is achieved through every single visitor enquiry being ‘qualified’ to find out if more information is required, a viewing is desired or if not, what alternative opportunities might be suitable either now or in the future. This was a unique and market leading approach as most competitors concentrated on property. Prop-Search concentrates on people – backed up by experienced, successful and motivated staff.

Through the recession, Prop-Search grew quickly with year-on-year increasing profits, allowing the company to recruit ‘handpicked’ people that had a similar ethos and ambition as the founding Directors.

In 2012 Prop-Search opened the office in Northampton, headed up by Ian Harman and Richard Baker.

The company now employs nine people based across three offices in Northampton, Wellingborough (the Head Office) and Milton Keynes. It is complemented by its sister property management company (Prop-Manage.com LLP, established in 2009) which currently manages some 140 properties, with a rent roll in excess of £1m per annum.

Today, Prop-Search’s Agency Service promotes over 18 million square feet (1,673,000 square metres) of mixed use commercial property, some 2,000 acres of development land and in excess of 3,500 development plots for housing.

The company’s Professional Services can provide detailed professional advice on property investment, acquisition, valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals, building surveying, rating, building insurance, development strategy, planning, management, rent collection, viability, project management and sustainability, enabling it to deliver sound, effective solutions for clients and businesses throughout the Midlands Region.

Prop-Search has achieved and maintained its growth and success through evolving economic challenges, using the strength and experience of its personnel and its dedication to its role in business.

Success is measured in many ways, not least in reputation, profitability and market share but also through independent third party recognition and in this regard, Prop-Search has been acknowledged through the Estates Gazette Industry Standard Awards, as the most Active Agent/Deal Maker in Northamptonshire for seven years in 2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2017 and 2018.

The experience gained by Prop-Search over the last 10 years has created a solid foundation for the future. The next 10 years will inevitably be shaped by the UK’s future role in the EU and more so through the unification of Northamptonshire councils. Exciting times are ahead and Prop-Search is relishing meeting the challenges along with clients (old and new) and the strong bond formed within the business community.

Further information on Prop-Search, its commercial property portfolio, services, personnel, example client base and an overview of projects (old and new) can be found at www.prop-search.com or by calling 01933 223300 or 01604 492000.

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