A different approach
Sir Geoffrey de Havilland
was an English aerospace engineer.
During World War 2 he designed the Mosquito. His plane was far smaller than the Lancaster bombers and the B17s used frequently by the Allies.
The problem was, because of their size, often the Allies’ planes, with their large crews and enormous amounts of defensive armour, were easily shot down.
De Havilland thought a lighter, speedier plane made of wood was the answer. It could still carry a 4000lb bomb. And only had two crew members. It literally could outrun the opposition. It was incredibly nimble.
Everyone thought it was a ridiculous design. But it worked brilliantly.
De Havilland was a creative, strategic genius. He didn’t look to see what all the competition around him were doing. He looked at the problem differently.
Instead of creating a bigger, more complex, better equipped plane - he stripped everything away he could, until just a handful of things remained.
His solution was leaner and more efficient than the competition.
He simplified the problem even though behind the thinking there was enormous complexity.
This problem is so similar to the ones that beset us day-to-day working in property management. Over the years, we have tried to manage the demand of tenants and landlords in an often complex but linear way - just in the same way as everyone else who does the same job.
Communication channels are predictably slow, contractors reports are inaccurate, pricing inconsistent and standards vary. All the while, tenants are increasingly demanding.
We’ve looked outside our industry to look for tried and tested methods to improve systems and processes, and in particular find solutions to better workflows.
To simplify them in a way that makes it easier for people just like you to do your job.
We’ve pinched ideas like fixed pricing which doesn’t vary if the job takes one hour or four. Our clients like it. It’s transparent and fair.
Another idea are quotations (not estimates), which can be created by engineers from site accurately and at the touch of a button - which arrive in your inbox in a flash.
Simple online booking systems which allow busy tenants to organise their day without phone calls and emails going back and forth.
We give access to personal online portals, so clients can instantly see progress reports, outstanding quotations, invoices, certificates and site repair history.
Engineer van stocks which reduce expensive non-productive time picking up materials from stockists-and get the work done quickly. Well-stocked central stores in the heart of Chelsea.
Small things, maybe, but things which are enormously beneficial to getting the job done quickly, cheaply and efficiently.
Our existing clients - perhaps your local competitors - are enjoying these benefits now.
Simpler organisation. Easier days. Better opportunities to spend time really managing rather than fighting fires. Being in control.
Why don’t you join them? A simpler, easier and better life is a phone call away.