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businessupdate

News

Tuesday June 4, 2013

Peter Alan is the best again...

Award-winning estate agent Peter Alan, which has branches across Gwent, has added another trophy to its cabinet after being named as the Best Wales Lettings Agency for the second year running. The estate agent, which has 26 networked branches across Wales including Newport, Cwmbran and Blackwood was handed the accolade at a glittering ceremony in London for The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2013. The judges recognised Peter Alans fantastic results with managed clients up 30 per cent, re-lets up 47 per cent and new lets up 21 per cent. They also recognised Peter Alan for its customer service and said it was streets ahead with its innovative techniques and adoption of technology. Andrew Barry, managing director of Peter Alan, said: We are delighted to have been named as the Best Wales Lettings Agency for the second year in a row. It is testament to the hard work of our fantastic staff and shows that we are continuously achieving high standards to help people in Wales find their perfect home. More than 450 leading lettings agents from around the UK attended The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2013 in association with The Sunday Times and The Times and sponsored by Zoopla.co.uk. The winners received their awards from Karren Brady, former managing director of Birmingham FC and current vice chairman of West Ham FC who is well known for her role as Lord Sugars right-hand woman in TVs The Apprentice. The winners were crowned following a thorough judging process carried out over a four-month period by a panel of industry experts.

Fact file
Queensberry Real Estate has grown from the former management team of Multi Development UK, with significant experience working on both successful international and national projects Queensberry now works on a significant portfolio of projects across the UK and Europe continuing its relationship with Multi Development UK and working with clients such as Aviva and The Crown Estate Major city centre projects Queensberry also work on include SouthGate (Bath), Victoria Square (Belfast) and the Corn Exchange (Manchester)
Left: Paul Sargent. Above: An artists impression of part of Friars Walk

modern focal point for the city. Thats what we are trying to create here in Newport. We want to help build up the local pride, the community spirit and a sense of belonging. We live and breathe regeneration. When we set up Queensberry we were looking for our next opportunity. We knew it had to be a city centre and it had to be a scheme that was needed rather than one which was just for the sake of it. Weve never been into that sort of scheme. We are always looking to work in places that have a need. We knew that the high street was ailing and we didnt want to develop something

similar to the previous scheme for the city. There was a demand from Debenhams to be in Newport. And the council had a good idea of exactly what they wanted from the scheme. A lot of local authorities two years ago did not know how to act but Newport City Council owned the land and had taken a major decision on the scheme before we got involved. We are getting great support from the council. The members and officers, including Councillor Bob Bright, the council leader, have been really supportive. Cllr Bright is the second leader weve worked with in Newport and he understands how things should change in the

city centre. We actually use the city council now as a case study of how to approach a major redevelopment when we are talking to other councils up and down the country. More councils need to take the same approach Newport has done to help kick start regeneration in their areas. Paul stated that once they are on site, Queensberry is keen to engage with the business community in Newport and plans to keep them up to speed with every aspect of the projects progress.

Business plans to keep growing

Newport-based Fast Parts Wales Ltd, an automotive parts and accessories supplier, is planning to develop its business further with the recruitment of new staff, products and services designed to support local independent garages and keep motorists moving for less. The motor factor, which is celebrating 25 years in business, has sites in Abercarn and Cwmbran and supports independent garages in the area with frequent deliveries of matching original equipment (OE) quality car parts and accessories. Fast Parts general manager, Nathan Travis said: Were evolving and want to engage with customers more than ever. Were investing heavily in our website and making ourselves as accessible as possible in a bid to be hub for everything motoring in South Wales.

Lawyer STEPs up to treasurer role

Lawyer Jason Pearce, partner with Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt solicitors, has been appointed treasurer for the South Wales branch of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners. STEP, founded in 1991, is the worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning. Jason, an Oxford University graduate and solicitor with more than 15 years experience, qualified for full membership of STEP four years ago. He recently passed a further examination to be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Trust Disputes. STEP has more than 18,100 members based in 87 countries from a broad range of professional backgrounds, including lawyers, accountants, trust specialists and other practitioners in this area. Members help families plan for their futures, specialising in a wide range of activities, from drafting a relatively simple will to more complex issues surrounding international families, protection of the vulnerable, family businesses and philanthropic giving. The association works to improve public understanding of the issues families face in this area and promotes education and high professional standards among its members. Jason is head of wills, probate and trusts at Everett Tomlin Lloyd and Pratt, solicitors, which has offices at Gold Tops in Jason Pearce, of Everett Tomlin Lloyd & Pratt, has been appointed treasurer of the Newport and in Pontypool.
South Wales branch of STEP