We often get asked why it is that after some great success in lettings, we do not expand Paramount to other offices. This has always been a conscious decision by our owners and Directors not to do so – perhaps something which doesn’t make sense to other letting agents!
The business that we generate as a lettings agency, is probably comparable to that of a multi branch office – we certainly do not feel that our lack of a high street presence in some of the areas we cover is a disadvantage to us. We just have to work a little bit harder and box clever!
From our West Hampstead base, we cover the whole of London, the immediate surrounds are a given of course (Kilburn, Willesden, Brondesbury, Camden, Maida Vale etc) but we also in recent years have expanded our reach to manage portfolios in Islington, Hackney, Central London and even now South London – as far reaching as Crystal Palace.
If the property is right for us, and the landlord is someone we would like to work with – then we will take on a property anywhere (within reason! Scottish landlords need not apply!). We have built up some fantastic connections with like-minded letting agents in these respective areas, to ensure that if we aren’t able to attend physically to show a property – we have an equally able counter part who can help us out. Win win for both agents.
We generally work on a testimonial and referral basis – a large majority of our instructions starting with someone they knew who already uses Paramount. For us, this is the area of the business we have chosen to focus on, making sure our online presence is on point, and that our high levels of customer service ensure these referrals continue.
For us, the risk of opening new branches and having our brand diluted is just simply not one worth taking. The reputation of Paramount has been built slowly and organically over almost thirty years – we are all too aware of how that can be undone! Particularly in neighbourhoods as close knit as West Hampstead.
And from a selfish point of view – why would I want to spend my time driving between offices checking in on teams? I am best placed and love being in the thick of it – sat altogether working in real time. That buzz our office creates on a busy Friday morning I don’t think is one that can be replicated, so we won’t be trying anytime soon.
Reagan Bradley
