Birmingham sales and lettings agency FleetMilne Residential is celebrating the launch of its new office at 85-89 Colmore Row by revealing ambitious plans to grow the business by a record 30 per cent in 2012.
Formerly based at Waterfront Walk at the back of The Mailbox, the 16-strong FleetMilne team has completed the move to new premises in the heart of the city’s business district. It is now set to capitalise on the investment made in relocating to Colmore Row by increasing staff levels by 15 per cent and growing the residential sales side of the business by 42 per cent by the end of the year.
Having set up FleetMilne Residential eight years ago, the move is a milestone for managing director Nicola Fleet-Milne. “Back in 2004 when I established the agency, I set myself the goals of letting 80 properties and still being in business after a year,” Nicola explained. “To have enjoyed eight successive years of growth is therefore quite an achievement, and I’m immensely proud of the FleetMilne team for the part they have played in building a successful business.”
Nicola explained why time was right for FleetMilne Residential to relocate. “Anyone who had visited our old office would appreciate that we had grown to a point where we needed more space, so we have invested in a new office which gives us the capacity to deliver on our ongoing expansion plans.
“Colmore Row is not just a prestigious address, it is where Birmingham does business and it made sense to make the move to be even more accessible to the city’s professionals – who are a key part of our target market. It is important to me that FleetMilne Residential plays a role in the business community – more than half of the team are members of Birmingham Future, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Colmore Business District, which has become established as a well-run, commercially-focused BID.”
According to Nicola, the residential property market may have gone through many changes since 2004, but FleetMilne has weathered the storm. “Back in 2004 when I set up the business, ‘city living’ was a rapidly growing phenomenon in Birmingham, with many landmark developments under construction and new hotspots emerging. Of course, we are in a different market in 2012 and this has undoubtedly influenced our business strategy.
“The ethos behind the agency has always been to be the best, and to embrace change and not be afraid of taking a different approach. Throughout uncertain times for the property market, this flexible way of working has really has been our strength.
“While lettings will always remain a core part of our offering and there will be a big emphasis on sales this year, we are increasingly focused on advice, consultancy and management. These are all areas which we can confidently cover with the breadth of experience and the height of ambition that exists within the team, and if we get the balance right we can look forward to year of record growth.”