BUSINESS INSIDER
CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS WINNER’S PROFILE
MOGINIE JAMES FORWARD THINKING A CHANGE IS GONNA COME Start 2017 right by being mindful and embracing change, says team-building guru ANDREA CALLANAN, founder of inspireMe Embracing the New Year is a game of two halves. On one hand, post-Yule, we look forward to the new energy that January brings. But if we know that change is afoot, that can bring fear and energised anticipation. Change is usually progress, even if it sometimes feels like you’re taking two steps backwards. When things change, we grow because we broaden our horizons. The key is in our response to change – creating a space to respond to anything new in your personal and business lives will stand you in good stead for the coming year. This is very much where mindfulness comes in, and being mindful of how you feel, react and respond to conversations, opportunities and challenges is a complete gamechanger. Think about how you feel about the changes 2017 might bring. If you’re feeling fear, that’s completely natural, as humans are mostly afraid of the unknown. Remember: it’s how you respond and how you work with what you have that brings success through change. So, as you welcome in the New Year, be grateful for what you’ve achieved and what is still to come – after all, this could really be your year! Savour every moment, and have a prosperous 2017. inspireMe are a Cardiff-based engagement company that offers UK-wide creative team building and training. For more info, see andinspireme.com
Nick James and Robyn Newling with their coveted Cardiff Life Award
NICK JAMES, director of estate agent Moginie James – winners of the Property category at the 2016 Cardiff Life Awards – reflects on his awardwinning night How did it feel to win a Cardiff Life Award? We were absolutely thrilled to win, especially as we celebrated our 15-year anniversary this year. The best part of winning is sharing our success with the whole team – it’s because of them we achieved the recognition. What was it about your year/nomination that clinched it, do you think? The last few years have been great, even under fluid market conditions. We focused on continually improving our customer service and introduced a dedicated telesales team and our online valuation tool, which gives instant valuations for our customer’s properties. We feel we are leading the way in innovation in our industry locally. What did you enjoy most about Awards night? It was a fantastic night with great entertainment. We were thrilled to be in the company of other great Cardiff businesses across lots of industries. It made us feel a closer part of the local business community. Where is your Award now? It takes pride of place in our head office at Cardiff Gate Business Park. However, it has done the rounds of all our offices to showcase our success to all the staff. As an estate agent, what is it that sets Moginie James apart? We are Cardiff’s leading independent estate agency, with five offices across the city – we are specialists in residential sales, lettings, property management and the investment markets. Our biggest asset is our 53-strong team – dedicated and enthusiastic staff who are committed to ‘going the extra mile’, and who each possess in-depth industry knowledge backed by professional qualifications. We’re also the South Wales agent for Fine & Country, the world-renowned agents for luxury residential properties, and we’ve
been hand- picked to serve as Cardiff’s sole agent for the Relocation Agent Network – all of which means, whatever the property and whatever the situation, our customers are in very safe hands with us. What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business? Caring for our staff, and the whole team feeling they are part of the MJ family has been vital, but I think our focus on customer service, along with being innovative and forward-thinking, has been key. How’s business at the moment? The market is fluid now, which has been influenced by Brexit. However, the performance at each of our offices remains strong with ongoing new properties – both sales and lettings – being brought on and marketed. I’m sure after Christmas we will see another spurt of energy into the market. We are already planning for this with another Q1 marketing campaign and support materials for the offices. We’re looking forward to 2017! Which other Cardiff businesses do you admire? Storm & Shelter, a video production company specialising in branding, TV and music videos. Like us, they are a small local company run by local people who take pride in delivering a quality service in their field. We recently commissioned a client experience video – the whole process was very professional, and we are very happy with the outcome. Finally, tell us a secret or little-known fact about yourself... The first Moginie James Christmas party was myself and my business partner, Peter, eating a takeaway pizza in the back of the first office on Crwys Road. We did, of course, stretch to a bottle of beer each, too! For more: moginiejames.co.uk
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