This month we are interviewing James Farge, Managing Director of Dorset’s newest estate agency, ‘HIVE and Partners’. James, along with business partners Chris Fairfax and Anna Bennett, are launching HIVE, a new style agency covering Bournemouth, Poole, Broadstone, Wimborne, Ferndown and Ringwood.
PICTURED ABOVE | James Farge, Managing Director
James, why are you launching HIVE and what is your background?
I left estate agency almost three years ago. I was at a crossroads in my career working with a local independent agency; they were good but offered nothing unique. I researched other local agencies and was underwhelmed; the customer service was often poor, the marketing inconsistent, and I was disillusioned with what was on offer for vendors and buyers.
As a result, I reluctantly left the industry. I joined property finance lender, Catalyst, as Head of New Business. Catalyst specialises in providing finance to property developers and buy to let landlords. From a start-up with four employees, Catalyst now employs 30 staff from its Bournemouth Head Office and has lent over £350m in the past two years alone. It is one of the fastest growing commercial finance companies in the South of England.
As a passionate property person, I always wanted to get back into agency. With the success of Catalyst, I was able to structure HIVE’s new concept with my CEO, Chris Fairfax and Marketing Director, Anna Bennett. I aim to solve the issues, as I see them, within local estate agency. HIVE will redefine traditional agency, which is becoming more outdated in today’s digital economy. Utilising modern marketing methods, coupled with exceptional customer service, HIVE will be the exception in a crowded market.
Tell us about HIVE and Partners’ business model
HIVE will be the first agency in the BH postcode to offer a new way of selling mid to upper quartile property. Employing only the best, highly regarded and driven Partner Agents, HIVE offers a unique opportunity for sellers looking for a modern, progressive agency that focuses on providing excellent service, unrivalled local knowledge, and the latest marketing techniques. We have partnered with key, exclusive technology partners, along with some fantastic local brands, that will enhance the selling and buying process with HIVE and Partners.
What makes HIVE and Partners different?
Firstly, let me say, we are not completely reinventing the wheel! Due to the way our housing market operates, there are processes we must adopt. However, for me there are five key areas that make HIVE the best place to sell or buy your next property:
- No costly high street office locations
Our partners operate from a central Bournemouth head office. This saving is invested by HIVE in marketing your property. - Talented Partner team with big real estate experience
Local experts. Local knowledge. 85 years’ collective experience. Over £3 billion in property completions to date. - One Partner manages your sale throughout
You won’t be passed from pillar to post, instead you will receive a consistently professional service from your dedicated HIVE Partner. - Sleek, bespoke marketing delivered by our in-house Marketing Director
Presenting your property to the highest standard attracts more potential buyers. As a result, we have invested heavily into; professional photography, unique video content, individually designed brochures and a social media campaign for each of our listings, produced in house. - We like to give back
Which is why 5% of our fee from the sale of your property will be donated to local good causes.
We’re excited to launch HIVE and feel that the region is ready for a change in Estate Agency. I would encourage anyone that has been on the market for a few months with no success, or vendors looking to list their properties in 2022, to get in touch. The only real way of appreciating our difference is to experience it! Our partners are taking listings to the market now, and we cannot wait to show you what we can deliver!
CONTACT
T. 01202 122 002
E. sales@hiveandpartners.co.uk
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