A young property professional has been promoted to Associate at a West Midlands commercial agency – just nine months after joining the company.
Chris Hobday joined Holt Commercial, which has offices in Coventry and Birmingham, as a Chartered Surveyor in the spring of 2018.
Chris, who grew up in south Warwickshire, arrived from Tapp Chartered Surveyors in Leeds after recently qualifying.
And he’s made such a positive impression that the directors of the company approached him to become an Associate of the firm.
Chris said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far and feel I’ve fitted in well. I was, therefore, obviously very pleased, if somewhat surprised, when the directors sat down with me and confirmed that they wanted to offer me the promotion.
“It was good to know that they were happy with what I had brought to the company and that they were willing to acknowledge that.
“I had been looking to move back to this region but only wanted to do so when the right opportunity arose. The position offered by Holt Commercial following the merger certainly felt like it was just that and I’m pleased to say that it has proved to be the case since.
“There is considerable experience within the firm and a number of great people to learn from but I have also been able to make my mark, which will hopefully have been of benefit to the company too.
He added: “The Midlands market has surprised me in some ways when compared to the experience I had gained in Yorkshire. The industrial market for example is performing incredibly well in the region – especially on smaller and medium-sized units which I have had a lot of involvement with.
“Interestingly, and contrary to much of the standard market commentary around retail property at the moment, secondary retail is also performing well and we are seeing strength in the market for units on smaller high streets and shopping precincts that aren’t as negatively affected by high rates bills.
“The office market in the city centre is still suffering from a lack of quality stock but there are still deals to be done when the product is right.”
Peter Holt, a director of Holt Commercial, said the promotion was a reward for Chris’s drive and commitment since joining the company.
He said: “Chris has gone above and beyond from day one. He’s taken a keen interest in how we market the company and in attending networking and social events to represent Holt Commercial.
“It’s no surprise, therefore, that he is developing a wealth of contacts and a strong knowledge of the region.
“We are delighted with what he has achieved so far and want to ensure he progresses further with us.”