Armed with years’ of experience helping people secure mortgages and buy and sell property, Jesmond McAdam decided to use her knowledge to launch her own boutique estate agency.
After gaining advice from Business Gateway Clackmannanshire, she opened the doors to Primrose Properties, in Primrose Street, Alloa, in November.
Working alongside her first employee, Courtney Mack, the duo are using their combined 15 years’ of experience in valuing as well as buying and selling residential property to help people either sell or find a home.
Jesmond said: “Because Courtney and I have worked in the property sector in Clackmannanshire for years we know the area inside and out, and understand exactly what people are looking for in the region. Buying and selling a home can be stressful, but working with a small agency like mine helps ease people’s worries as they get the time and attention they deserve when making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
“Because I understand the value of expert advice I turned to Business Gateway when I first thought about setting up on my own. I’d been working for others all my life and had decided that now was a good time to use my knowledge to make a living for myself – and a business my son will ultimately help run with me as it grows.
“My adviser was fantastic and helped with all aspects of getting started – from my business plan to marketing. She also helped me apply for a grant that covered the cost of our external signage. Setting up a business can be costly, so having that funding in place meant we could invest more in state-of-the art software. I’ve also had help with social media and SEO. I’m not an IT person so that assistance has been extremely useful.”
Alison Davidson, Business Gateway, said: “Branching out on her own was not something Jesmond had considered doing until recently, but once she’d decided to make the change she turned to us for advice. We helped her understand the basics of setting up and running a business and will be on hand to offer further advice as her business grows.”
With stunning scenery, affordable housing options and proximity to Scotland’s main cities, Clackmannanshire is the perfect location to life and work – and Jesmond wants to highlight the area’s assets.
She said: “The opening of Alloa’s railway a few years back has increased the area’s popularity across the board – from young, first time buyers to those who are looking to downsize after the kids have left. The range of housing on offer is also appealing as is living so close to the Ochils for weekend adventures in the countryside.”
For more information on Primrose Properties visit www.primrose-properties.co.uk
To find out how Business Gateway Clackmannanshire can help your business call 01259 726430 or visit www.bgateway.com/clackmannanshire.