In August it was announced that Lloyds Banking Group was to close its Colleys surveying operation and transfer its valuation services to E.Surv. With the switch over completed at the end of last month, I think it’s worth taking a moment to take a look back at Colleys and the positive impact it had on our industry.
I will always remember the day Scott Barrowman, technical surveying manager at Colleys, travelled down from Scotland with regional commercial manager, Caroline Drewett, to undertake an audit of my surveying practice. It was a thorough grilling and no stone was left unturned, but it was also carried out with warmth and a smile. As I dropped them back at East Croydon train station I recall Scott saying, “you have to choose wisely who you get into bed with Joe and I think we will have many years ahead working together”. “It goes both ways”, I said.
To this day I can honestly say partnering with Colleys was a wise choice and the team were as supportive as they were professional. They pushed me forward, encouraging me to enter mortgage awards, and the regular audits not only protected the interests of Lloyds Banking Group, but also helped me to craft, nurture and grow my business to where it is today. This is what Scott meant - it was more than a panel appointment it was the start of what would soon become a fantastic working relationship.
I think it’s worth raising a glass to Colleys. A business that was established nearly 20 years ago, instructed nearly half a million valuations a year and maintained its open for business mentality, professionalism and integrity.
We may be losing one of the most respected brands in the market, but this is certainly not the end and it’s time to look forward with optimism to the next chapter of the business.
It’s a time of huge change for the industry, with the homebuying process coming under intense scrutiny and businesses investigating ways to adopt new technology without losing emphasis on quality. As part of E.Surv, the ex-Colleys team will have access to great infrastructure and opportunity and, if they can combine this with their traditional values, this can be an exciting move for all involved in the property market.
Thank you Colleys, it’s been a pleasure working with you. #LoveSurveying
