A hotels expert at global commercial property specialist Colliers International has given sandwich year students an insight into successful client care.
South West Regional hotels director Peter Brunt has worked in the hospitality sector for more than 30 years, and is widely recognised as the leading agent for selling boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and country pubs across the South West and South Wales.
Many of his sales and leases are off-market deals. Those made public so far this year have included the sales of The Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water; the Jersey Arms near Bicester; and the Fourcroft Hotel in the Welsh resort of Tenby.
Peter is based in the Bristol office of Colliers International, and head of office, Tim Davies, suggested that he deliver a talk on how best to look after future clients to four students from the University of the West of England, who have completed their second year of studies and will be spending the next year working with various teams at the Templeback office of Colliers International in Bristol.
Tim said: “A great personal relationship with the client is key to a successful – and lasting – business relationship, and Peter Brunt is recognised throughout the industry as a confident communicator and highly-able practitioner of his craft.
“The opportunity to gain advice from a respected industry expert such as Peter is just part of the top-quality training that is one of the great strengths of Colliers International, and which we are pleased to offer to students as part of their experience of working within a leading global commercial property company.”
Peter added: “An outstanding client relationship is at the core of every business transaction.
“I’ve bought and sold several properties for the same client and they wouldn’t have called me back if we hadn’t achieved a great working partnership from the very first meeting.
“I was pleased to be asked to give our sandwich year students a few insights into how best to look after their future clients, and the importance of understanding what they are about and what they are looking for.
“I’ve found an open and honest approach is the best policy – even if it is not always what the client wants to hear.”
The Bristol office of Colliers International has taken on a record four sandwich students this year. Will Dale, who is studying for a BA in Property Development and Planning, has joined the Rating and Planning teams; Alice Stephens, who is studying for a BSc in Real Estate, is working with the Out of Town Retail and Development teams; Will Robinson, who is also studying BSc Real Estate, is working in the Investment Property Management team; and Harry Barlow, who is studying BA Property Development and Planning, is on the Industrial & Logistics team.