July is the birth month of Applegate Properties! And this year feels extra special, as we celebrate 10 whole years since our founder, Amy Wray, first took the plunge to set up shop – from her dining room table. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun?!
It really has been a whirlwind journey so far, and this year we wanted to mark this special milestone by looking back over our tenure.
So, here’s a roundup of our 10 biggest – and best – achievements from the past decade…
1. The office evolution
Friends of the business will remember Applegate’s first headquarters at Amy’s dining room table, as she masterfully slotted ‘desk time’ in around mealtimes. She then hijacked the back bedroom for all-things Applegate before eventually diving into a full garage conversion, in order to welcome her first colleague in 2012. Applegate operated from these fitted-out premises for just over three years before upping sticks in February 2014. But more on this later!
2. Our first board is instated
All the way back in September 2010, we witnessed the ultimate landmark for a new estate agency – our first board was erected outside a rental property, 43 Oldfield in Honley. Amy even appeared in The Examiner to mark the special occasion!
3. Considerable growth
Applegate Properties has experienced dramatic growth in our 10-year journey and part of this expansion is dependent on positive reviews and feedback to attract future opportunities. In 2013, over 70% of new business was facilitated through referrals from existing clients alone! We truly appreciate all of the kind words and comments we hear on a daily basis, so thank you.
4. A shiny new sales department
Back in November 2013, we launched our sales department one whole year ahead of schedule in order to meet the rising demand. Our sales dream team has had a fantastic impact on the business’s growth, but we would like to give a huge shout out to every member of the team for helping us to reach our 10th successful year!
5. Award winners
Not one to shy away from a glitzy awards evening, the team have attended plenty of events over the years and we have been lucky enough to take home our fair share of trophies! In September 2015, we bagged the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award, and at The Negotiator Awards in 2017, we won Gold Best Agency in Yorkshire & The Humber, Silver Best Small Letting Agency and were shortlisted for Best Small Estate Agency UK – no other agent has won and been shortlisted for so many awards at once!
6. Maintaining stellar service through COVID-19
Despite the turbulent few months we’ve all faced this year, we are extremely proud to have maintained a high level of service through the crisis and – thanks to increased technology and a constant commitment from staff – we have managed to answer every single call that has come through. Now that’s what we call an achievement!
7. Charity work
The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is a worthy cause that we hold close to our hearts. We have taken part in various events and fundraisers over the years including a rounders tournament, a onesie walk around Holmfirth, a pumpkin carving competition and a Yorkshire Day tea party. And, in April 2016 we became the 99th member to join the charity’s 99ers club!
8. A modern rebrand and new website
This year, Applegate Properties underwent a revival, complete with a vibrant rebrand and stylish website. After careful consideration, we decided to take the website in a new, cleaner direction and are delighted with the results!
9. Sky high ratings
As a business, we pride ourselves on our ability to listen to and action feedback – good or bad. That’s why we are over the moon to have maintained sky-high ratings for online reviews across multiple platforms including Google, Facebook and Get Agent.
10. Our office on the High Street
In February 2014, the team made the much-anticipated move to our beautiful office in Holmfirth. As fervent admirers of the quaint High Street shops, friendly residents and business owners and, of course, the breath-taking scenery, the Applegate team continue to feel right at home in Holmfirth and can confidently say we’re here to stay!
What an amazing decade it has been! We are so excited to see what’s around the corner for Applegate Properties. And we would like to say a special thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our journey so far – we could not have done it without you. Here’s to the next 10 years!
