The face of our Northern region: Kim Head, MIRPM, Associate Director
Kim Head joined Gateway at the beginning of 2018, bringing 25 years’ experience in property management to the business, including looking after large, purpose-built blocks and estates. A member of the Institute of Residential Property Management (MIRPM), Kim enjoys the relationship side of the industry most, building a strong rapport with clients and customers alike. This all comes down to good, ongoing communication, honesty and attention to detail explains Kim, who is busy establishing Gateway’s new regional office in the North of the country.
Have you always worked in property?
I started out in retail in London, but realised this wasn’t for me, so I went back to college to take an NVQ in business studies. A family member introduced me to a commercial property investment company, which needed some support in the accountancy department. After that, it was property management all the way, as I worked my way up from a trainee to an Associate Director, supporting projects as large as £2.5 million and blocks of up to 185 units in size. I’ve also been a New Business Manager and run an office for a large management company, based on the south coast of England.
What attracted you to Gateway?
I was impressed with the company’s drive, determination and commitment to customer service, and the challenge of establishing a new regional office. I’ve previously set up a successful, stand-alone property management branch office, from finding the right site to staffing, resourcing and managing it all.
What are you looking forward to?
The team is already growing, so I’m looking forward to working with the talented people around me, as well as getting to know the property portfolio, clients and customers. I’ll be getting around to each site personally and I’m pleased to say the list is growing, with several new clients to welcome over the coming months. The region is seeing huge investment in residential property, notably in the Manchester area. Unlike elsewhere I’ve worked, Gateway has a really broad range of expertise in-house beyond property managers, from legal and support professionals to surveyors. With this level of support, I’ll be able to focus on core management areas.
What have been your career highlights?
I’ve been fortunate to have helped turn around several large properties during my career and overseen some major works of real scale that have made an enormous difference to people’s lives. Major works, along with areas of complex legislation, are subjects that I’ve looked at in my studies to be part of the Institute of Residential Property Management.
What’s the greatest thing you’ve learned while working in property?
Relationships are everything, especially with something as important as someone’s home or an investment. Building relationships starts with transparency and honesty and requires good, ongoing communications. It means sorting out the small things quickly, as well as the bigger matters.
What’s on the horizon?
Along with the existing portfolio, we’ve got over 1,000 new properties coming on board in the region, which makes it an exciting time to join Gateway. We’re also planning to run some industry seminars, including for those who find themselves becoming Directors of a Residents Management Company. This voluntary role carries legal responsibilities and duties that can surprise people.