As the year draws to its end, this month we’re taking a quick look back at the twelve months just gone. Whilst it’s been a year of change and challenges it has been another which the practice has negotiated successfully. As can be seen from the Vital Stats section elsewhere in this newsletter, it’s been a great one in terms of estate agency with our average sales price, average time on market and the average percentages achieved over both asking price and home report all being ahead of the Dunfermline and West Fife averages as quoted by both Rightmove and ESPC. We’re incredibly proud of what the team, working constructively with our clients, have achieved. It is to their immense credit that in a challenging market they have achieved so much.
For me (Michael) it was my first year of consultancy and what is effectively 9/10 retirement. Whilst some can find the transition from the hectic pace of working life to the less frenetic pace of retirement to be tricky, I have taken to it like a duck to water! Having plenty of plans and projects are I believe, the secret. I am fortunate also in living close to the office and so have continued to see the team most weeks when I pop in and on a more formal basis, I have remained involved in the practice running training sessions, providing mentoring and having regular input into the newsletter and social media. Our training sessions in particular have been a highlight not just because of the time spent together honing existing skills and learning new ones, but also because of the wonderful cakes Mrs. M. has provided to sustain us! A double whammy of expanded knowledge and expanded waistlines!
One of the most rewarding things this year has been to see the firm I hold dear evolve and grow under the guidance of Laura and Stacey. As well as exceeding most of the targets set out in the 2024 business plan and increasing turnover in the process, they have also added family law to the services we offer. I know that 2025 will see this nascent part of the practice go from strength to strength. The changes and challenges I mentioned have been both external and internal with the happiest of these being Laura and her husband John welcoming baby Olivia into the world. Laura’s maternity leave, whilst not total (the joys of being your own boss!) has meant that Stacey has had to assume the great majority of the tasks associated with being Managing Partner and this she has done with aplomb with the team led by senior valuer Keiran stepping up to the plate as required.
Other noteworthy events in 2024 were the recruitment of Gillian (Gaffney) whom we introduced a month or so ago and who is now heading up the newly launched family law department, our paralegal Bethanie (McGregor) attaining official Law Society Accredited status, and Lauren (Mitchell) earning her wings and flying solo as a valuer.
All told then, a good year and one we believe sets us up nicely for 2025. For now, over the festive holidays it’s time to take our foot of the gas and to spend time with friends and family recharging our glasses and our batteries. Likewise, we hope that all of you have time off with your families and loved ones and that you too have enjoyed a peaceful, merry Christmas.
