Brand Vaughan recognition

Andrew Kay meets the team behind an award-winning agent

When Brand Vaughan launched its business it created quite a buzz. In part due to the experience of co-founders Jason Brand and David Vaughan, but also for their bold branding and striking Kemp Town Village office. Brand Vaughan went on to become a market leader, particularly in Kemp Town, but also across the rest of the city. Their confident approach to estate agency and their stylish branding certainly gathered attention, and in a very short time they became one of the most recognised agencies in the property industry.

It was clear from the start that what really marked them out was a fresh approach to property sales, they knew that if they were to make a mark they would have to offer something above and beyond the competition – and this they did – all from their stylish but increasingly small office. Funnily enough, the restraints of that office increased their ambitions and in turn their success. So much so that in 2012 they won the Prestigious Sunday Times Gold Award for the Best Single Office Estate Agency in the South East, a much coveted accolade and one they are duly proud of.

Strangely, at the same time an opportunity arose they could not miss. Always convinced that they could serve buyers and vendors across the city from a single office, the volume of work and the subsequent need for a larger team, it became clear to both David and Jason that something would have to be done. The existing office could not be expanded so alternative premises needed to be found.

Luckily for them an office came on the market in what can honestly be called a prime location.
All agents know the value of having premises with bold branding on a busy road junction, preferably with traffic control lights. Few junctions are as busy as the one at the northern end of Preston Park on the A23.

Not only did it have that great visibility, it was also at the heart of one of Brighton’s most interesting property markets. Preston Park and the surrounding area has long been one of the city’s most sought-after addresses with many fabulous homes. It was a market that Brand Vaughan knew well and fully understood, and it was one they were confident they could operate in with great success.

Their new Preston Park office is already doing great business, and although it means they will not be eligible in the future for a Gold Award for Best Single Office there are plenty of other categories that the team already have their sights set on.

Making a mark
So what is it that marks out Brand Vaughan as a brand leader? From the start they knew the worth of traditional values, the qualities that mark out good agents from those who are less good. Things like staying in touch, keeping clients fully in the picture at all times. But any agency worth its salt would do this. Brand Vaughan wanted to and managed to bring added value to the service they offer to clients.

A year ago they underwent a re-launch with a bold new look but also with an exciting new package. They added to their existing services a list of new concepts that lifted their game more than a notch or two. Firstly the new design, a bright look that turned heads. They then announced that they would be using professional writers to create their details and brochures for the properties that they would be representing. Not just those at the top end of the market but from the lower end up. It certainly made a huge difference, gone was the tired agency jargon, no more “benefitting from” and “in the much sought after…”. It was a new approach and a very exciting one for vendors and buyers alike. They also added a professional photographer to the team, ensuring all of their properties were going to look as good as possible. New for 2013 will be the offer of professionally made and scripted, free video tours with great eye-catching graphics and voice-over scripts, in addition to which vendors will be asked to contribute the secret that made them love their home.

Gone are the days of giving buyers a bland list of ingredients for a property, the Brand Vaughan way is far more influenced by life-style ideals and a very personalised approach. It’s a concept that they have proved to work and one which they are continuing to develop now that they are dividing their services across the two offices. In their words – “We’re bringing property alive”.

They are certainly not throwing away the baby with the bath water, they understand only too well that behind all of the lifestyle and marketing concepts they need a good solid business footing, that is, after all, where they started, with many years in the more conventional confines of traditional firms. What they have done is recognise the importance of an online service, the value of a high street presence and the need to be seen in more traditional media outlets like Latest Homes. It’s what they have added to that mix that makes the difference. The fact that all their properties get a fully designed and scripted brochure, downloadable online, they all get floor plans and they all get a well rounded marketing plan.

For the launch of the new Preston Park office Preston Park vendors should ask about a special promotional deal including an owners package free of charge (terms apply).

New blood
Whilst opening the new office relieved the pressure on space, their was also a need to recruit new team members. Antony Davies joins Brand Vaughan from Foxtons in South London.

“We brought in Antony as a partner he brings fresh energy and business skills of exactly the right calibre.”
“I was already living in Brighton and commuting to South London for work, very tiring as any commuter will tell you.

So naturally I was looking for the right opportunity to move jobs and quit commuting. When the chance came to join Brand Vaughan I was delighted, they had lots of exciting new ideas that really appealed to me and were clearly the way forward for any modern agency.

“I will be based in Preston Park which has long been a popular commuter choice, so as an experienced commuter myself I understand those needs. I also understand the needs of families planning to move here from London, their view time needs, schools and things like that.”

“Above all I believe that no one rule fits all clients. We must always be prepared to adapt for each client. Being part of an excellent bespoke agency we are able to tailor our services to suit every client and every property – and that is very exciting for me and for the whole team.”

At Brand Vaughan there is always a strong message that across all business clients you will be dealing with the partners and both David and Jason are very much hands on, working in both offices all week alongside the team. In addition to Antony, Paul Field has just joined the team. He is a top selling senior agent with 11 years in agency. Paul is a local boy and brings both balance and fresh ideas to the team.

In 2012 Brand Vaughan achieved their goals, a rebrand, an award and a major expansion. In 2013 they promise to continue in the same vein, building on their existing successes, satisfying their customers’ needs and developing new and exciting ways of selling property.

Brand Vaughan,
219 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6SA 01273 504441
and 110 St George’s Road, Kemp Town, Brighton, BN2 1EA, 01273 683111
www.brandvaughan.co.uk
www.brandvaughan.tv