A Vision for a Personal Touch in Property
Atrium Estate & Letting Agents was founded by Lisa Furby with a distinct vision—to be different and personal. While it may sound clichéd, her goal was to create an office experience unlike the typical norm. The team at Atrium boasts diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Lisa’s passion for the property market began with her work in an investment company, where she built portfolios for individual clients. This passion led her to work with her previous company for a decade, managing three branches, sales and rental teams, and overseeing daily operations. Eventually, she decided it was time to venture out on her own. With the help of her friend Craig, Lisa chose the name Atrium, aiming for something bold and distinctive. The logo, designed by Sanday at Arka, has since become a topic of frequent discussion, with Lisa enjoying the opportunity to explain its meaning and significance.
Core Values and Mission
Atrium’s core values include integrity, honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour. The company prides itself on exceptional customer service, prioritising the needs of clients. Professionalism is a key value, with a focus on demonstrating expertise, knowledge, and skills in the estate agency industry. Collaboration is central, both within the team and with clients and partners. The mission of Atrium is to build long-lasting relationships with clients based on trust, transparency, and mutual success.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Starting a business during challenging times is no easy feat, and Atrium faced its share of obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant challenge, occurring just a year after the business opened. Other issues, such as fluctuating interest rates and the cost of living, also posed difficulties. Despite these challenges, the presence of a dedicated team helped alleviate stress. Lisa believes in facing storms head-on and persevering through tough times.
Evolution and Adaptation
The rise of technology has profoundly impacted the estate agency industry. Online listings, virtual tours, digital marketing, and social media have become essential tools. Atrium has adapted by separating its business into sales and rentals, reflecting significant growth in the rental sector. This evolution is attributed to the fantastic service provided by the team and their commitment to offering a seamless, personalised customer experience.
Standing Out from the Competition
What sets Atrium apart from competitors is its exceptional customer service. Lisa is passionate about providing a personalised and attentive service, which distinguishes the company from others. This includes being responsive, transparent, and going the extra mile to meet clients’ needs. It’s not a sales tactic; it’s about sharing extensive local knowledge and building trust. Helping clients understand the area and its surroundings brings satisfaction and results in happy clients.
Staying Current and Innovating
Staying current with industry trends and continuously innovating is crucial for long-term success. Lisa believes in continuous learning and staying updated on the latest trends. Networking provides valuable insights and collaboration opportunities. Customer feedback from clients and landlords is also crucial; it is used to improve services and identify areas for innovation.
Maintaining a Positive Company Culture
Maintaining a positive and productive company culture is a priority at Atrium. Lisa ensures the team is well-cared for, even down to the best coffee machine and lunches. Leading by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a strong work ethic inspires and motivates the team. Lisa is actively involved in daily duties to understand the team’s stress and emotions. Promoting a healthy work-life balance by encouraging breaks and vacations is also crucial, reflecting the importance of family in Lisa’s own life.
Success Stories and Milestones
One of Lisa’s personal milestones involves helping a client who was struggling significantly. After providing support and advice, the client is now successful and has kept in touch for fifteen years. Watching clients grow over the years is particularly rewarding.
A significant business milestone for Atrium was closing a record number of property transactions in a single month. This achievement highlighted the team’s dedication and expertise and reinforced the company’s reputation as a trusted agency. It also boosted team morale and attracted new clients.
Future Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, Lisa aims to continue building the team and the business. With a clear vision for the future, she is focused on achieving her goals over the coming years. This ambition is supported by her dedicated team, who are considered an invaluable part of the family business.
01324 460 162
info@atriumuk.com