Staff Successes | Curchod & Co.

As a company we have always looked to promote from within the organisation where there is the skill set and, more importantly, the desire for existing personnel demonstrating their wish to take on a different discipline. In addition, the company has had a continuous stream of graduates and “sandwich year” students since the mid 80’s where we have given the latter experience and some have returned but also to offer the former, opportunity for graduates to complete their Assessment for Professional Competence (APC) in an environment that can offer this career realisation Many have moved on for their careers and now are holding important positions within the property industry. However, there are many that stay with us and here are some success stories.

Victoria Powers

Victoria has been with us for 10 years joining as Receptionist/Administrator. She clearly demonstrated an aptitude for a wider range of tasks and took the opportunity when offered to join our Property Management Department. She is now an integral part of that, being a Property Manager, having some 9 years’ experience with a cluster of longstanding clients.

Katie Hemblade

Katie joined us after several years dealing with a different part of the property industry with a view to completing her Assessment for Professional Competence. This she was able to do and passed at the first attempt. Katie has then moved to expand her skill set by completing the Registered Valuer scheme. The energy and expertise she has put into her work has resulted in her becoming an Associate of the firm in January 2019.

Jessica Pells

Jess joined the company 5 years ago after a number of years’ experience in a residential lettings field. She took the opportunity to widen her experience and has become Head of the Commercial Management team. Jess achieved her MARLA qualification and has now achieved Associate of the RICS. She also became an Associate of the firm in 2018.

Helen Ashton

Helen joined as a Receptionist/Administrator. Having obtained a First Class degree in Finance and Accounts she was unsure as to which direction her career should take. After having been exposed to the Property Accounts Department of the firm Helen seized upon the opportunity offered to her and is making rapid strides in her career development.

Thomas Nurton

Tom graduated with a first class honours degree in BSc (Hons) Property Development (RICS Accredited) from the University of Portsmouth and is currently enrolled onto the APC, down the Commercial Property pathway.

Alex Blown

Alex graduated with a first class honours degree in BSc (Hons) Property Development (RICS Accredited) from the University of Portsmouth and is working hard towards completing the APC qualification.

The Future

We recognise that the career market and road to reaching people’s goals in the property industry are developing different pathways and with that in mind we have embarked upon the Apprentice schemes that are available. This gives a further opportunity for us to take on school leavers who are not minded to follow the university route but where there is a clear way forward to reach professional qualifications through apprenticeship schemes. We have already taken on our first Apprentice who will receive the full backing of the company and we have opted for the on-site training route which will ultimately lead to qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor.

Notwithstanding this we have now secured our next graduate who we see a bright future for who will be joining us in July and commences their road to Assessment of Professional Competence with the Partners providing the Counselling and Mentoring that is required for another graduate embarking on their career to provide full qualifications as a Chartered Surveyor.

As a business we are conscious of offering opportunities to young aspiring people to reach their goals within the property industry. The Partners have seen those benefits themselves from their early careers and we regard it as an important part of our culture that we pass on our knowledge to those entering the industry.

Curchod & Co staff successes