Shoreham for Sure: When Steve Wedge decided to open Wedge Estate Agency he knew that Shoreham-by-Sea was the place to be

How long have you been planning your own business?
Ever since I came into the Estate Agency business it has been my ambition to open my own Estate Agency office and now my dream has finally come true!

You have chosen to open in Shoreham-by-Sea, why there?
Having lived, worked in and owned businesses in Shoreham it has always been my intention to open an office here.

What key factors make Shoreham an attractive place to buy?
Although the populace of Shoreham has grown over the years it still retains a coastal village presence and has a fantastic local community feel. Shoreham has it all, situated at the foothills of the glorious South Downs with the river Adur rolling through it, and its close proximity to the sea, makes it a wonderful place to live.

Does Shoreham offer particularly good value for buyers?
Standing beside our more expensive neighbours of Brighton & Hove, Shoreham-By-Sea represents tremendous value with its road and rail links making it easily accessible to commute to the city.

Who are your team members and what made you choose them?
My carefully selected staff, are I believe, second to none. They are well known to me, are extremely experienced and are also at the top of their game at working on their clients’ behalf. They all hold the same attitude and core values that my company expresses of honesty, service, commitment, communication and professionalism.

Do you discuss business at home?
My wife Rachel and I discuss the pros and cons of running our business on a daily basis. We have quite differing personalities, which is a good thing as it helps us to keep focused on moving the business forward. The confidence that we have in each other is immense, and we both believe in the same core values: honesty, transparency and being client focused at all times.
There is much uncertainty in the UK because of world politics and in particular Brexit, you must feel confident and optimistic?
The only constant in the world is change. My colleagues and I have first hand experience of the peaks and recessions of the property market and through that have gained valuable insight in advising clients whatever the prevailing market conditions may be.

Are there unique features you plan to offer buyers and vendors?
Our traditional core values, highly personal service, bespoke marketing strategies coupled with state-of-the-art technology utilising digital, print and social media ensure our clients’ interests are best served.

Is there is a move away from online property sales and back to the personal services that a traditional estate agency can offer?
The personal touch and constant communication we offer our clients and customers, as opposed to online agencies, is paramount. At Wedge Estates we are aware, and take very seriously, the duty of care and responsibility we have towards our vendors and our landlords who will entrust to us the sale or letting of one of their most valuable assets. We recognise that every property is different and that every vendor, landlord, purchaser or tenant has a unique set of requirements.

Does Shoreham have quite a list of celebrity residents?
Shoreham-by-Sea attracts a wealth of interest from all walks of life when buying, selling, letting and renting a home including famous faces from the stage, screen and sports arena.

Shoreham-by-Sea is a vibrant local seaside town with community values at its heart

Family homes have long been the attraction of Shoreham but does it have the same appeal for first time buyers and for people who are perhaps nearing retirement or down-sizing?
There are a variety of differing home styles in the area, which cater for either first time buyers looking to get on the first rung of the property ladder or retirees looking to downsize and stay in the local community. Shoreham has an array of schools from playgroups, primary and secondary schools, academies and colleges, to accommodate for all families living or moving to the area.

Are there bargains to be found?
Compared to some of the higher values offered in Brighton and Hove, Shoreham would appear to represent great value.

It’s a small town but does it offer the same facilities in terms of leisure and entertainment as other coastal towns?
We are a small town, but for the size I think we offer an exceptional amount of things to see and do. Whether you enjoy watching our local rugby & football teams or are looking to brush up on local history at a museum, or enjoy local arts, farmers markets, car boot sales, watch some sport, listen to live music or enjoy all the coffee shops, restaurants & pubs, we’ve got the lot.

Can you sum up your business in ten words?
I can do it in five: honesty, service, commitment, communication, professionalism.

And describe Shoreham by Sea in ten words?
Vibrant local seaside town with community values at its heart.

THE TEAM

Adam Mowbray Sales Negotiator
Adam has already proved himself to be a rising star in the Estate Agency profession. He started his career as a trainee negotiator in a corporate estate agency before quickly moving up the ranks to become a viewing negotiator and then sales negotiator. Often out-performing his more experienced senior peers he has gained a strong reputation of commitment coupled with client loyalty, friendly disposition and a wicked sense of humour. A favoured individual with clients, we know you will enjoy meeting Adam and have him working industriously on your behalf.

Outside of work Adam enjoys playing evening five a side football and local Sunday League football. He also enjoys watching football whenever he can and is, well, just football mad.

“It’s simple: I love Estate Agency. From the first time I stepped into an Estate Agency office and began answering the telephone and meeting with clients I knew that I had found a job for life. For me, every client or customer looking at selling or buying property becomes a personal mission to satisfy. The opportunity I have been given to work at Wedge Estates is, in no small way, a reward for all my efforts and hard work to date and I only look forward to the encouragement, support and further experience that I will undoubtedly gain from the market leading colleagues that I will be working alongside. I am ready and waiting to help you move and can’t wait to hear from you.”

Stephen Barnes Lettings Director
Stephen is a highly talented individual with excellent all round marketing skills and a solid background in residential lettings, property management and residential sales. He is a multi-award winning achiever in residential lettings having been recognised at local, regional and national levels. Very capable with the ability, drive and ambition needed to succeed in the most competitive of market places Stephen is an achieved communicator who can relate with people at all levels. When not working Stephen enjoys tennis, hillwalking and time spent with his young grandson.

“The reason I started my career in Estate Agency as a trainee negotiator way back in 1979 was because I primarily wanted a job with a company car. It just so happened that I actually loved the job itself. Testament to that was that within nine months I was running my own branch. Thereafter, I have been involved in senior management and director roles at branch and at area level in multi-disciplined companies although I have always retained a very active “shop floor” presence. Having achieved considerable success in residential sales I decided in 1995 to specialise in the then relatively unknown residential lettings market. Since then, I have worked within local, national and premium branded international based companies advising both resident and non-resident landlords on their property investments and homes ranging from studio apartments to luxury homes and country mansions. I am delighted to report that the majority of my client instructions I received were gained via personal recommendations from both existing landlords and tenants alike.

“In closing, I would welcome any informal discussions with clients who would like sound, sensible and practical long term advice or guidance either as an experienced landlord, first time investor or accidental landlord with regards to their property assets or investment opportunities.”

Steve Wedge – Managing Director
Steve is a consummate professional Estate Agent and entrepreneur. He started his estate agency career with a small local independent agency in Hove in 1991 and quickly progressed to a senior level. He was then recruited to work for a national company. Apart from his Estate Agency career he has also owned and run businesses within the national water industry and property development sectors.

Steve is a long term Shoreham resident and is married to Rachel who owned Millers café in the high street. They have three children, and are all keen sports fans, being season ticket holders at Brighton & Hove Albion. Time permitting he has been known to play an occasional round of golf or two.

“May I take this opportunity to offer you a very warm welcome to Wedge Estates. There are so many factors to consider when starting a business. The right area, the right location and most importantly: the right staff. I am delighted that all those elements have come together and Wedge Estates is now open. Having lived, worked and owned former businesses’ in Shoreham for a number of years it has always been my intention to open an office here.

“The prominent High Street offices we now occupy are a prime trading location for all our clients’ properties to be showcased in, and for our clients to pop in and meet with us at ease. My staff, of whom I have carefully selected are, I believe, second to none. They are well known to me, and extremely experienced and are at the top of their game at working on their clients’ behalf. They all hold the same attitude and core values that my company expresses of honesty, service, commitment, communication and professionalism. I guarantee that you will experience from us a different personal approach other than you may have encountered with estate agents in the past whether selling, buying, letting or renting a property.”

Wedge Estates
Sales, Lettings, Investments & Acquisitions
80 High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex, BN435AD
01273 525555
wedge-estates.co.uk