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Nathan Robinson - challenge finalist

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 Nathan Robinson

Media partner:

MiddlesbroughEveningGazette
Name:
Nathan Robinson
Business:
Barclay Elsdon Lettings
Web site:
www.barclayelsdon.co.uk
Years in business:
0.5
Number of businesses:
1

Challenge Entrant

My passion for surfing inspired me to start my own business so I could have a better work/life balance and catch the waves more often in my home...

view Nathan Robinson's full story

my background>

" I worked for a local newspaper, selling advertising space before going travelling. When I came back, one of my friends had set up an estate agents in Saltburn and offered me a role in their company. However, she left the company and a rival, more established estate agents offered to train me up, get me qualified and take me under their wing- an opportunity which I couldn’t miss. But I was always more interested in the lettings side of the business which he didn’t do- it’s faster paced and I get to meet more people. I was offered a role in the lettings department of a much bigger agency which I enjoyed, but a lot of contacts from Saltburn were still asking me to find them tenants. They expected a more bespoke service but larger estate agents couldn’t deliver this as they focussed their time on residential sales. An office became available in Saltburn (which is quite rare) so I started planning to set up my own lettings agency at the end of last year, and that’s when Barclay Elsdon Lettings was born. It was something that I really get my teeth into and make my own. "

why i want to win>

" It really would mean a lot to me to win the Challenge; I’d like to show my parents that I was doing well, and also show my friends, previous employers and everyone who helped me along the way that the time they’ve invested in me hasn’t been wasted. I really want my company to grow and employ people; it’s not all about me and I want everyone to benefit from the business. As a new company, I really want to get the brand out there, I want people to get to see it and the consultancy package would be hugely beneficial; I’m open to any advice that would help get my company to where I want it to be. The knowledge I could gain from that would be second to none. "

why i'm sure i'll suceed>

" Obviously with the property market being the way it is at the moment, some people might be wary of how an emerging business will fare in such a competitive marketplace. However, because we’re a lettings only agency, we can service people who are being let down by residential sales. One guy came into the office today who’d completed on a property, but the one he was buying fell through, therefore leaving him with two rather sizeable mortgages. He came to me so that he could rent out the first property, allowing himself an income. The properties have also been done up to a high specification- many are people’s homes rather than a property they’ve never set foot in before so the quality is higher. We manage the properties on a monthly basis so that also means we have a repeated and guaranteed income. Being a local lad and knowing the local market, I can show people what kind of service the business can provide and I bring along material to meetings that can prove that, in order to build up a level of trust. I believe it’s really important to deliver exactly the service that you say you’re going to. I’m really confident of the business’ potential and immensely proud of its success so far. I’ve got many new and exciting ideas buzzing around my head at the moment to allow me to stand out further from the crowd and take the business to the next level. "

my blog>

Mon, 09 Jun 2008

Good Luck Everyone







hey everyone, well its Monday the 9th and the last day of the "if we can you can" challenge and i just wanted to say a big good luck to all the finalists and no doubt we will all bump into each other soon!






Its been a busy few weeks with all the Blogging, newspapers taking photos, black tie dinners and meeting new people, i can honestly say i will be gutted if i dont win but on the other hand i can't believe i made it this far.






i have a new staff member starting next monday to run the office side of things which will take some work off me, so im looking foreward to that!






Well at least the sun is shining so im off down to the beach with the dog and surf is forecast mid week so not much to complain about really,






ill speak to you all on Thursday when the winners are announced, catch ya later, nat

posted at 14:42:00

Tue, 03 Jun 2008

Rain Rain go away!


Well its been about a week since i last blogged! I have been really busy since the bank holiday weekend, not really stood still, i havn't even had time to surf! but im not complaining ya can never be too busy especially when your a new start up.




I have just taken over a large portfolio of 22 properties off one Landlord, but its a bit of a mess all the tenants are on housing benefit and in arrears for one reason or another so i have been in touch with the housing benefit & homeless prevention department for the last two weeks trying to get it all sorted while the Landlord is breathing down my neck telling me he wants his money or them evicting but its not their fault.




To top it all off its pouring down and the gutter above my office is broken so all the water is landing on my office and leaking through the windows, so im having a battle mopping it up as im typing this but im quickly running out of dry towels.




What i have found out in the last five months of been open is that just when ya think everything is going smoothly and ya out of the woods, something pops up for ya to deal with, but thats half the fun...being challenged!




Not long untill the results are in so get texting. If you want to vote for me text "challenge nathan robinson" to 07624803199 !




speak soon, nat

posted at 10:41:00

Sat, 24 May 2008

Day Tripping


Hello everyone, just thought i would catch up with everyone and tell you all about the day trip to "Progressive - Entrepreneurs' Forum 5th Anniversary Business Conference" at the Hilton hotel in Gateshead. I was a little bit apprehensive about the event as i didnt know what to expect and the thought of being around so many great Entrepreneurs was quite a scarey thought, but everybody was so friendly and interested in what i had to say i soon felt at ease.


The highlight of the day for me was listening to Harvey Goldsmith and his story of how he got to be where he is today and about the famous people he has met along the way. Then there was Elle Macpherson not only is she very attractive, but she also had a great story about taking a leap of faith and setting out to the other side of the world with $500 in her pocket...now look at her!


I ended up Blagging a free room off Steven Bell which im very greatful for so i stayed the night....just as well seen as though the wine was flowing at the Black Tie dinner. Spent the whole of friday nursing a bad head.


Just wish i had the Morgan or Ford GT that was parked outside the event to drive home in! Catch Ya's all soon! Nat



posted at 10:47:00

Wed, 21 May 2008

Wednesday 21/05/2008


Hello again, its just after 9am on wednesday morning,
Just thought i woiuld post a quick blog to say good luck to all the fellow finalists, and that im looking forward to seeing everyone that can make it at the Hilton tomorrow.
I have a few hours free this afternoon so im off into town to get an outfit for the event...very last minute i know...im usually at the beach wearing shorts and flip flops so im a little bit nervous about formal events!
There is surf at the beach today too so hopefully after work i will get in for a few hours but i need an early night for the drive to gateshead in the morning!
speak to you all soon! nat

posted at 08:14:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

ERM!

Just been looking at the video clips...i didn't realise i said "Erm?" so much! Guess i dont have a career in television! erm!

posted at 08:39:00

Mon, 19 May 2008

Monday Morning, 19/05/2008

Well its the monday after the Challenge finalist's were announced and im feeling slightly nervous about the whole thing, not quite sure what is going to happen next.
The finalist's have been invited to a conference in gateshead this thursday where there will be guest speakers from the business world and is an all day event, im not quite sure what to expect as im still awaiting the details but im excited anyway!.

I came into the office early this morning 8am, to refresh my memory on what was happening before the phones started to ring! I often find myself starting early and finishing late to tie up loose ends....but its worth it because when i need a morning or afternoon away i know that i can catch up when convienient! This is one one the major benefits of being self employed.

Well, the phones have started to ring which is a good thing obviously! so im going to have to get motivated and call a few people, i have a good diary today a few well spaced appointments and a couple of call backs....its just a shame the sun isn't shining! Nat

posted at 08:19:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 9

posted at 15:51:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 8

posted at 15:50:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 7

posted at 15:50:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 6

posted at 15:49:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 5

posted at 15:48:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 4

posted at 15:48:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 3

posted at 15:47:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 2

posted at 15:47:00

Fri, 16 May 2008

my clip 1

posted at 15:42:00

Back to the challenge

Other Finalists>

Matt Stirland

Business:
Playhouse
Media Partner:
MiddlesbroughEveningGazette

Matt Scott

Business:
Mes Footwork
Media Partner:
NorthernEcho

Kaye Winship

Business:
S. Walton Eyecare
Media Partner:
SouthShieldsGazette

Karen Forster

Business:
Trampas The Mens Room
Media Partner:
NorthernEcho

Les Calvert

Business:
Property Abroad Ltd
Media Partner:
HartlepoolMail

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