RICS Modus October 2011

Julian Davies MRICS says he hit a ceiling at his previous firm, being a director but not a shareholder. So he set up on his own in February 2011, when the market was gloomy and uncertain. But for Davies, this was an advantage: ‘I saw it as a good time to set up a small company, providing an expert service while offering competitive fees because of my low overhead base,’ he explains. Earl Kendrick’s focus is on high-quality residential property, from large developments to private residences.

The personal service that Davies can offer suits premium clients, many of whom have busy lifestyles or are from overseas. ‘I often take calls at night or over the weekend,’ he says.

A key premium client is a prime residential estate in Kensington, London, where Davies is retained as surveyor. The company has carried out various major improvement schemes, including the refurbishment of the pool area and an internal communal lobby, which involved working alongside a top-end interior designer.

Over the next five years, Davies hopes to ‘build a brand that is recognised as providing the highest quality services in the sector,’ as well as setting up a base in south-west England and possibly expanding overseas. So far, he is enjoying having control over the direction of his firm but admits to working long hours, always with a degree of uncertainty.

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