You may know Nick from our York branch, which was based on High Petergate in the shadow of York Minster. Jackson-Stops had a physical office in York for over 75 years, but with the shift in working patterns brought on over the last year and the lease coming to an end in December 2020, Nick decided to dispense with the physical location and took the well-informed decision to work in a more virtual way. We speak to Nick about why he chose this way of working and what he can offer to you…
What areas of Yorkshire do you cover?
We have always covered much of Yorkshire, although more specifically North Yorkshire. Taking in the Dales, Wolds, East Coast and many of the pretty villages, towns and cities. Although we had an office in York, much of our time was spent travelling across the region, so not much has changed – apart from a daily commute which leaves me more time to be productive!
How do you manage to navigate the vast geography of your patch?
I have been working across the region for 35 years and know the property landscape like the back of my hand. One day I might be carrying out a valuation in Harrogate followed by a viewing in Thirsk and then another valuation on the East Coast. I am able to spend my days on the road thanks to the support of my wife Lucie, who manages the day-to-day needs of our clients from our base in Harrogate.
We are fortunate to be supported by our northern adminstration regional hub, who take care of the administration and help manage our active digital presence along with Jackson-Stops national PR and Marketing departments, leaving us free to concentrate on our clients and their property sales.
What do your clients think of the change in your working arrangements?
It was a brave decision to move out of the city centre but we sought the opinions of our clients from the outset. I am pleased to say, hand on heart, it works…and our clients agree – old and new. Clients have noticed that our new structure allows us to spend more time on their properties and the new regime has enabled us to provide an even better service.
Where are your offices?
We now work remotely but have strategically placed virtual offices across North Yorkshire in York, Harrogate and Thirsk, reflecting our wide geographical working area and ensuring clients get the coverage they require.
What benefit is there to working with you as a virtual agent?
We are able to work in a much more dynamic and flexible way, which means we can respond to the needs of our clients quickly and effectively. Our working day may be longer, but our clients can call on us at any time for advice and support.
It has definitely given us the chance to work in a more responsive way – something that our clients love. If they call us with an issue, they are guaranteed that they will speak to either myself or Lucie. Communication is key – keeping each other up to date with any progressions and acting on them straight away.
We win the instructions and manage the sales, which means our clients always deal with us personally and matters are not passed on to less experienced members of staff. We pride ourselves on the relationship we build with every client – getting to know them and their property requirements so we can provide the best, tailored service. Working in a flexible way has meant we can spend time finding out exactly what our clients need.
What is the benefit of selling my home with Jackson-Stops and your Yorkshire branches?
With more than 100 years of experience, our heritage and traditional values still stand the test of time along with 35 years personal experience working across the whole of North Yorkshire. Our network of over 40 branches gives each and every property a UK-wide marketing window – and a vast number of potential purchasers – and we intelligently match buyers with properties all over the country.
Jackson-Stops is staffed with owner-directors, each with the drive and impetus to get the job done. These are their businesses, so it is in their interest to ensure every single client receives the best service possible. You will find we are early adopters of innovative marketing for properties, as well as relying on good old fashioned estate agency and the power of local knowledge.
Our knowledge of the North Yorkshire property market means you are in good, experienced and skilled hands.
What services do you offer?
Our property services include specialist expertise and advice on sales, acquisitions, lettings, country houses, farms and estates, equestrian properties, historic homes, land and new homes, valuations, development consultancy, professional services and mortgages. If you have a property that you would like advice on, our Yorkshire office would be delighted to assist – email nick.talbot@jackson-stops.co.uk or call 01904 625033.
