The face of new business, Grace Whitehouse
Heading up Gateway Property Management’s New Business team is Grace Whitehouse. She joined in April 2012 and, over the past five years, has seen the company’s property portfolio expand rapidly. Grace explains why she enjoys working in the industry and sets out tomorrow’s ambitions.
Try a career in property is Grace’s advice to young talent. “Until you’re working within the industry, you’re not fully aware of everything it involves. There are so many facets and there is always something new to learn.” Grace joined Gateway in April 2012, bringing a property insurance background to the company. Her first role was to support the Board as a PA and develop the offering from Associated Insurance Services, part of the Gateway Group. Five months on and Grace had made her first internal move into Gateway’s Property Management arm. “The property management business has gone from strength to strength and I’ve enjoyed lots of opportunities to advance professionally, both in sales enquiry and new business positions. It’s all been extremely positive.”
In March 2016, Grace embarked on her latest Gateway journey as the New Business Manager. “The role is varied and no two days are the same,” she explains. “A key responsibility is looking after, and building relationships with, existing and new property developers. “This includes visiting residential developments, from their infancy during construction to the point where the development is ready to be handed over to Gateway Property Management to manage.” Grace enjoys the collaborative nature of her work. “What we do involves the whole company, from senior management to the team on the ground. I’m fortunate to work with a wide range of people at Gateway.” It’s the level of teamwork that has always impressed Grace. “People here are really supportive. This is something I identified with from day one.”
Along with general marketing, another important part of her role is getting a foot in the door to win new business. “Every developer needs an exemplary property management agent,” says Grace. “Recently, we have submitted a number of successful tenders and added another major housebuilder to our client base. We’re frequently gaining new business from recommendations. This demonstrates that Gateway as a whole works hard to ensure we deliver the level of service we pride ourselves on.”
What’s behind the successes to date? Grace points to Gateway’s proactive, customer-service focus. “Considering the tens of thousands of units we manage throughout the UK, our rating is outstanding in the sector.” Transparency and the Gateway’s Group offering also resonate with clients. “We can offer a fully encompassing service in so many areas of property, from advising on lease structures to buying ground rents and managing properties. We’re already nationwide, which has been an enormous achievement that’s happened in a relatively short space of time.” The goal is to keep on growing, sustaining and attracting property developers, Resident Management Companies (RMCs) and independent landlords nationally. “We look forward to seeing the Gateway name on more and more property boards across the country.”