Felicity Martin

"Coach: Understanding what people want and how to get them what they need - a vital tool in the surveying world for negotiating deals such as lease renewals, rent reviews. It can be difficult at times to achieve what your client wants at the same time as keeping a tenant happy and coming to an agreement for both parties. It is also very rewarding for exceeding expectations, for example achieving a higher rent than your client would have been looking for. At all times it is important to be honest and trustworthy for your client. Being friendly is another important skill/personality as it is a very face to face role and makes life easier! Developer: I do feel it is important to understand the needs others and be able to react to their needs. For example if an issue arises with a tenant, you need to be able to understand what they need and problem solve. A lot of my work does involve working on my own but also as part of a team in the company to achieve the company’s goals. Influencer: It is an important tool being able to explain things in detail, not every tenant or client has the knowledge or expertise. It provides comfort to those that you explain something to, for example certain clauses within a lease that is not understood by a client or tenant. "

"In my role I manage a property portfolio for a client (Landlord) , the portfolio includes industrial, retail and residential properties. As part of my role I deal with the day to day issues which may arise with tenants, rent collection, dealing with arrears, instructing contractors and overseeing works, lease renewals, rent reviews, break notices, property inspections and so forth. I find the job challenging at times but also very rewarding especially when obtaining good results for my client. It’s a very face to face/people role which I find daily builds up my confidence and communication skills. Everyday is different and I find I never stop learning. I enjoy the fact I’m not stuck in an office all day, everyday. The job involves being out of the office, whether it be for inspections or meetings. I’ve met all sorts of people from small business operators to multi millionaires. The world of surveying is an exciting one, so many opportunities in a range of sectors. In the North East the starting salary for a graduate is around £18- 20,000 per year. "

"From a young age I have always had a passion for property. I started working part time in a local estate agents at the age of 18 whilst studying a countryside management course at college. At the time I was looking to become a rural chartered Surveyor. I decided the rural route was not for me so continued working in the estate agents full time to gain more experience and think about what I really wanted to do. I discussed various options and took advice from professionals within the property world. I knew I wanted to become a chartered Surveyor and felt the commercial property route was exciting with lots of opportunities. I enrolled into the Estate Management degree at Northumbria University. I have never looked back since completing the degree and becoming a Chartered Surveyor. A worldwide recognised qualification. "

"I grew up in rural Northumberland. I love all aspects of outdoor life from walking, fishing and cycling. I take an interest in antiques. I enjoy travelling and experiencing other cultures although more recently life has been rather hectic since welcoming my son into the world! "

"A typical day at work usually involves checking emails first thing followed my hitting the road to any property inspections or meetings I may have organised. I usually plan my diary so that I’m back at my desk on an afternoon to catch up with emails and telephone calls. Emails can be anything from a tenant reporting an issue, my client requesting information or ongoing negotiations with a lease renewal or rent review. I also have invoices to authorise daily. When I wake up on a morning, I never know what the day will bring. No day is the same in property management. "

"-\tNational Diploma- Countryside Management -\tFoundation Degree- Estate Management -\tDegree- Estate Management "