BEE THE BEST Putting the client first is key to growth.

Bee Residential’s philosophy is based on two principles: “Treat people how you would like to be treated” and “Bee the best we can be”. It’s simple enough, but for Senior Property Consultant Lisa McNamee, customer service will always be the bedrock of their business. “We are proud of reviews of our personal service,” she says, “Customer service is everything, communication is key, just a simple text, call or emailing updating what’s going on. It doesn’t take much”. This core belief has shaped Bee’s rise and will also drive their future. Bee’s growth started when director Grant Biddle expanded Bee Lettings by acquiring two more Letting agents. After buying offices, he approached Lisa to ignite the sales operation.

Lisa has been in the industry since 1991 but took a seven-year break to work in recruitment, quickly establishing herself as one of the top consultants in the country. But her heart always pulled her back to estate agency, working for the same local independent company for 18 years. And, given her experience, she has no hesitation when responding to questions such as “What makes a good estate agent?” and “How are Bee different from the rest?” To the former, she replies: “Customer service and communication and to the latter, she says: “Unlike other large local agents, you get continuity with Bee Residential. Leyna Ward joined the team as a Property Consultant back in October 2021 and brings with her 15 years of Estate Agency experience, her excellent people skills and local knowledge ensure that your move is kept as stress free as possible.

“Shirley Bartlett supports the sales team and is also people person – caring, considerate, down to earth,” says Lisa. “She worked in the Customer Service Team within the RNIB for 22 years before joining us in August 2018. Eve Warner has a background in administration and customer service within the Financial Services Sector and joined the team in September 2022. Having bought and sold multiple times she brings a good understanding of the sales process from the customers perspective.

“And Grant remains a hands-on director although he leaves sales to the experience of his team members because he spends most of his time working on the lettings side.” As for the future, Bee will not stray too far from their principles. “We are looking at a more individual, bespoke approach for properties coming to the market,” says Lisa, “although basically we are simply concentrating on being the best we can be.”