Goodchilds Estate Agents & Lettings Sutton Coldfield

GOLD – Best Medium Midlands Lettings Agency 2012

Judges agreed that Goodchilds was highly deserving of this award. The panel was impressed with the agency’s focus on technology, particularly its iPhone app, which enables tenants to save property searches. It also praised its ‘Be a Good Neighbour’ campaign, which explains to neighbours of a property the agency manages how to contact them about any tenancy issues that may concern them. The team demonstrates high levels of customer service, which is maintained through the provision of internal and external trainers. Within 12 months’ employment with the agency, new-starters are required to pass an industry-approved qualification. The agency currently retains 98% of landlord clients, with judges commending its solid business systems and processes, which they agreed made Goodchilds worthy of this award win.

GOLD – Best Medium Agency Midlands 2011

Every aspect of the teams performance is measured, with feedback given accordingly and the systems and processes changed in line with what’s working. Never afraid to evolve and change, clients who use Goodchilds can rest assured they are in the hands of an innovative and reliable company.

BRONZE – Best Franchise 2011

Goodchilds also continues to shine in this category. It is a fairly small franchise with only 14 offices however it demonstrates a franchise offering which would be exceptional in a much larger business. Its ambition and dedication to growth is admirable and based on a strong foundation, leaving the judges certain it will achieve what it sets out to. Started as a franchise business, the developed infrastructure is clear from the outset. The directors lead by example and remain at grass roots level as well as providing the direction of the business. Training is excellent and thorough and the initial package available to the franchisees is impressive; new owners are well equipped to hit the ground running. Plans to grow the business over the next couple of years will no doubt develop and the panel commented on the exceptional care and attention demonstrated by all at Goodchilds.

BRONZE – Best Customer Service 2011

The director at Goodchilds stated that, “customer service is a key element; not just something we talk about”, and the team clearly put their money where their mouth is where the standards of customer care are concerned. They ensure that what they promise they deliver, and this approach has reaped dividends in maximising goodwill with the local clientele. Careful consideration has been given to the dovetailing of traditional customer care against heavy investment in useful technology and Goodchilds does this well. The judges particularly commented on the way in which the team mentioned occasions where problems had been encountered and how these had been resolved to give the best outcome for all parties. Brilliant.

SILVER – Best Estate Agency Franchise 2010

Goodchilds cares about its business and the overriding aim is to provide a platform for franchisees to launch successfully then to work together to build a business according to franchisees aspirations. Boasting the impressive statistic that they have never lost a franchisee or closed a branch, the strength of the systems and processes behind the scenes is commendable and really illustrates that Goodchilds has been a franchise operation from day one. Autonomy is key and branches show a degree of individuality whilst maintaining the branding and high standards set out by the parent company. Franchisees are offered excellent networking opportunities and the chance to learn and share with each other, a culture singled out by the judges as commendable, also commenting that the commitment, innovation and care demonstrated by Goodchilds was a pleasure to judge.

GOLD – Best Estate Agency Franchise 2009

Goodchilds set itself up as a franchise operation from day one and it shows. Their systems and processes are second to none and as a result the growth of the business has been built on a solid foundation but not at the cost of initiative and individuality of the company. Growth is controlled through a combination of through vetting procedures for potential franchisees, strong support for franchisees and a policy of not increasing profitability by more than 50% annually. All franchises are visited once a week and there is real emphasis on measuring activity and productivity to ensure transparency through all areas of the business however there is a good balance between autonomy from the central office and control for the franchisees. Strong on their brand values, Goodchilds manages to successfully marry this with flexibility for their franchisees. Not a business in a box – Goodchilds is a fantastic example of how to do it right and their gold award is well deserved.

SILVER – Best Medium Midland Estate Agency Of The Year 2009

Rather than cutting costs, the Goodchilds team took the decision to actively seek new business. Thorough training programmes educated the entire team about the economic problems with higher incentives and improved feedback introduced to really motivate everyone to get results. This approach worked as the staff followed their instincts to increase their fees, produce better quality work and used their initiative to support their clients. Involvement in their local community has also served to build team morale and build their brand and ethics among potential new clients.

BRONZE – Best Medium Estate Agency – Lettings 2008

Goodchilds has evolved from a family-run investment company into a successful lettings agency with six offices. They are quick to rent their stock and are rightly proud of their Let By presence in the area. Even more of an achievement is their zero rate of unsatisfied customers – this is a team which looks at the lettings market through the eyes of the landlord and really delivers what’s promised.