Its not just an average Monday here at Bartrop and Dilks as the team celebrate our 15-year anniversary!! Since opening our doors on day one with not one property to sell, to now being Worksop’s Number One Agent for the 5th consecutive year, it’s been an adventure to say the least.
From humble beginnings…
Director of Bartrop and Dilks, Neil Bartrop, dreamed of opening his own agency whilst working for a corporate company in Sheffield. Neil wanted to create an agency where customers were the forefront of the business and not reduced to stats and sales figures. Great customer service has always been the backbone of the business and being independent allows us the time, care and consideration to find out all about our customers and their motivations so we can use our expertise to best advise them. As one of the first members of staff to work for Neil, Becky Ward has seen just how much the office has grown; ‘I remember working for a competitor when Neil opened Bartrop and Dilks, the market wasn’t great and I honestly thought he was mad! However, the name quickly made an impact and when Neil approached me about a job, I jumped at the chance! I’ve had a great career at Bartrop’s and learnt so much. Despite moving away to London for a number of years, it’s great to be back and use my new knowledge to grow and push the business forward. My role doesn’t really exist at other agencies, and it’s all revolved around making sure our clients love us and staff love working for us’.
After a few years, the sales office was going from strength to strength, but it quickly became evident that there was a huge gap in the local property market to offer a full customer centric lettings service and there was only one woman for the job! Our Property Investment Manager, Jeanette came on board and grew our amazing lettings team. Jeanette comments ‘My whole career I have worked in family run companies from small startups to a large family run corporate business, but nothing comes close to working in your own family business. Working here at Bartrop and Dilks can be demanding both physically and mentally however it is hugely rewarding, seeing the business grow in the 10 years still gives me the same buzz as when I started. The thrill of adapting to changes in the market and seeing your team thrive in a fast paced environment is something that I am extremely proud of.’
But for us, it’s not just about property. We love our town and will continue to do all we can to encourage a thriving town centre and happy residents. We will continue growing our ‘I love Worksop’ reward card and providing the people of Worksop with the best customer service that it rightly deserves.
The best team around…
We wouldn’t be where we are today with our amazing staff. Despite the highs and lows that come with the industry, we are lucky enough that our team give their all each and every day.
Kerry has worked in our lettings department for the last 5 years and has seen her fair share of challenges; ‘Working as a letting agent has to be one of the most varied roles anyone could have especially working for a small family agency where we are all involved in most aspects of the business.
One incident that springs to mind were the floods in Worksop in 2019, we had many of our tenants displaced in a short space of time, I have never seen such destruction to property and belongings before. The effect on the families, not only for their possessions but also their mental health as they battled with losing their home and having no idea how long it would be until they could return. I spent two days solid trying to help them collect valuables and make sure they all had hotels booked and warm food for their families. It was one of the most soul-destroying weekends I have had but going home at the end of the day knowing you have made sure families had a warm dry bed to sleep in and some of their belongings saved because of me was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done.
Working as a letting agent in a small family business will never be a normal Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm job but I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
With over 25 years’ experience, Kara is our ‘Go to’ sales expert as she’s experienced the good, the bad and the ugly! Kara genuinely cares about each and every client she deals with ‘I love my job and what I do, it definitely has its challenges, and when things are good , they are great … I enjoy negotiating an offer, speaking to the seller and working with them both to agree a sale. I feel a sense of achievement when seeing it through to exchange. This can be challenging, with deadlines and timescales needing to be met; there are always obstacles along the way and despite my experience, I always find myself learning new things.
I will always try to help and, if I don’t have the answers, I will always try and find the information. I believe I go over and above to help customers. Communication is the key. I can’t imagine doing anything else, I suppose it’s a case of love it or hate it ! I love what I do and don’t think that ever will change!’
What will the future hold…
With predictions of a challenging market ahead, we have the experience and expertise to keep the people of Worksop and the surrounding areas moving. Our mantra remains the same from day one, stay focused on the customer and the rest will come.
‘Bartrop and Dilks is part of my family. It was built with all my heart and passion with one purpose to fulfil – to make it grow and flourish with the hope of being the leading agent in Worksop. How fortunate we have been to achieve this.
In all these years which have passed, we have seen it all – success and failures, highs and lows but one thing which we never did was to ‘give up’. Our commitment towards our goals are the factors which have brought us to where we are. We love the town, we love people, I consider we are very lucky to do what we do.
Making our clients dreams come true gives you job satisfaction I find very hard to describe. After 15 years of selling and letting homes, today’s sales feel just as good as that first ever one 15 years ago!
You learn many things over the years, what works and sometimes what doesn’t. The main thing being enjoy every day aiming to be the best.
Today is about thanking the staff, ex-employees that have moved on and all our clients that have used and still continue to use Bartrop and Dilks.
15 years wouldn’t have been possible without employing the best staff and clients supporting this local family business.
So, let’s see where the next 15 years takes us. As we approach another year we are just excited as the first one to what the challenges lie ahead. This is what makes you better and stronger.’ – Neil
