New owner for Belvoir’s Cheadle office

Darragh Lee is now the new proprietor of Belvoir Cheadle. Following a one-month hand-over period with the previous owners Darragh is now running the business, based in Cheadle Hulme, along with two members of staff.

After six years working in recruitment for blue-chip companies - firstly in London and more recently in Manchester - Darragh decided he wanted to run his own business.

"The recruitment industry was quieting down due to the changes in the economy," explains Darragh. "So I decided that it was time for a change and that I'd like to run my own business. Most of my family are self-employed so I've grown up in that environment and have seen how rewarding having your own business can be."

So, why Belvoir Cheadle?

"My father-in-law-to-be was renting out some of his properties with Belvoir Oldham and the proprietor there told him Belvoir Cheadle was for sale," says Darragh. "I made further investigations and decided it would be the perfect opportunity for me - not only is the office local to where I live but, as my fiancee's father is a property developer and buy-to-let investment landlord, he would be able to mentor me in the industry. Plus, as I'd never run my own business before, I thought it would be sensible to invest in a franchise - this would mean that I would have a valuable support network available to me."

Darragh says the first few months have gone really well and he's looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"Managing my own business is really good and I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far," says Darragh. "The previous owners set up a very well organised business and they have a lot of good will from their clients. We've got more than 60 properties on our books - and the challenge for me now is to maintain the good relationships that have already been established.

"I'm enjoying all aspects of my new role but I'm particularly enjoying focusing on good customer service and helping Belvoir Cheadle stand out from the crowd," continues Darragh. "Recently a tenant said that we were the best letting agent he'd dealt with and it's really satisfying to get such positive feedback."

So, what's Darragh's vision for the future?

"My vision is to build up our portfolio of managed properties and increase our presence in other areas of our territory further afield from our base in Cheadle Hulme," says Darragh. "I also aim to become the best lettings service that people have experienced, while fixing problems quickly and focusing on great customer service."

Belvoir Cheadle is two years old this month and Darragh plans to organise an informal gathering in the near future for existing tenants, landlords and local businesses in order to introduce himself as the new owner.

• Belvoir Lettings now have more than 140 offices nationwide. To find your nearest Belvoir office, visit their website at www.belvoirlettings.com