EweMove conference moves from the bedroom back to the boardroom

The event recognised the challenges the pandemic had brought and how the network had navigated them with professional style and good spirit

EweMove kicked off another seven-year plan for growth as nearly 250 people flocked to St George’s Park in Staffordshire last month for their first in-person conference since 2019. Themed From Bedroom to Boardroom, the event recognised the challenges the pandemic had brought and how the network had navigated them with professional style and good spirit.

Following the review of the last seven years of expansion for the brand by managing director, Nick Neill, the CEO of The Property Franchise Group, Gareth Samples, talked more about the opportunities the group would bring through financial services provision including the acquisition of Mortgage Genie. With grand goals to double the size of the network again in the next three years, the EweMove team brought together specialists in market intelligence, customer support services and professional development for a day of learning and sharing best practices.

Sales guru, Tony Morris, talked about how to generate more opportunities in your business and maximise your share of the wallet in the home-moving journey. Keynote speaker David Abbott captured the delegates’ attention with his practical tips on pricing strategies, proving that if agents can deliver exceptional customer service, they can command exceptional fees too.

Helen Garratt, EweMove Grantham North, took a Q&A session on how she charges 0.5 per cent above the national average fee on her property sales. “This is not my first business and not my first franchise either. After many successful years in business ownership but not quite so successfully retiring, I decided to join EweMove for my final business venture. Coming together at an event like this is one of the big reasons I chose EweMove at this point in my career. Everyone here places customer service to the high standard I do and it’s an incredibly supportive environment. This conference has inspired me to even greater things for the rest of 2022 and beyond,” she said.

As the conference drew to a close, attention turned to a night of celebration. Having recognised the network last year via a virtual ceremony, everyone was eager to transform into their finery for the annual EweMove Awards Party.

Best Newcomer was awarded to EweMove Colne Valley and Wakefield East who joined the franchise just over a year ago. The partnership of Robert Hammond and Martin Mellor has seen them make an impressive entrance into the market. “When we joined EweMove, we had years of experience in telecoms and customer service but very little in estate agency. This award shows what you can do when you surround yourself with the best people,” said Martin.

The team at EweMove Bexleyheath took home the Franchise of the Year award. Robert Bearsby and James Hillier rebranded their business in 2017 as they set out on a growth trajectory and with four territories now operational, they were worthy recipients of the night’s biggest award. “We’re ecstatic! We didn’t expect to win it, so the team are over the moon. It’s nice to be acknowledged by your peers, people who you really enjoy working with - it means a lot,” said James.