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Michael S Day - Managing Director, Integra Property Services

I formed Integra Property Services in May 2003 having previously been a main board director with one of the UK's largest estate agency groups. I have 30 years residential experience having started out in the industry when I was 16.

My role as Managing Director covers three main areas. Firstly I am responsible for the overall management and development of the business, staff training, strategy etc. Secondly, I personally undertake management consultancy work across the residential industry and have many top quality clients from the estate agency, legal, surveying, IT and PR/marketing arenas. Thirdly, Integra has operated an estate agency business since August 2004 in the South Bucks are and I am very hands on with my team in ensuring we deliver on our mission of "providing the finest range of estate agency services in terms of professionalism, speed and customer service".

A typical day

If I am working in the agency business, this involves everything from dealing with buyers and sellers, valuing property, negotiating sales to making the tea. My consultancy work has seen me delivering training, helping businesses develop strategies for dealing with new legislation and also developing marketing and PR proposals. I am usually at my desk by around 8.00am and don't stop until at least 6.00pm.

I am also a Consultant Editor for the RICS Manual in Estate Agency, a judge for the International Building Press annual journalism awards, a member of our local Chamber of Commerce and an avid Watford supporter, rarely missing a home match at Vicarage Road.

Background

When I first started out aged 16 I embarked on training for the old ISVA qualifications which I achieved when I was 21.

I have since undertaken many forms of further training and personal development culminating in obtaining an MBA from Reading University in 2000. I have always been involved in residential sales and progressed through the ranks of a couple of estate agency organisations to become a partner in the Thames Valley firm of A C Frost & company in the early 1980s. That business became part of Prudential in 1986 and I ended up as a Regional Director responsible for 140 offices. When the Pru exited from the industry I joined Connell, eventually becoming a main board director during a successful period up until starting my own business in 2003.

The main objectives of your organisation

Our mission statement is to "provide the finest range of estate agency services in terms of professionalism, speed and customer service". I am delighted that Integra obtained the coveted Investors in People (IIP) accreditation within eight months of opening and that my team have either all obtained or are working towards professional qualifications.

Most important skills

Communication skills are crucial in order to both manage the business internally and also to liaise effectively with external customers. In addition, my professional qualifications (FRICS, FNAEA, IRRV,  F Land Inst) have given me a wide perspective and knowledge about the industry and my MBA has equipped me with additional management skills.

I am firm believer that one never stops learning and that even after 30 years in the business, every day provides opportunities to learn something new. My business has a culture of development and learning and the team is constantly looking to improve.

While I have not undertaken any specific training for myself since Integra's inception, I am learning from every new client and having undertaken the IIP process. In addition, I benefit from helping my staff develop their careers.

Favourite part of the job

Seeing my staff adopting and learning new things and getting feedback from customers on the quality of our service. While getting paid for what we deliver is essential, it is particularly pleasing if someone goes out of their way to say thank you and well done.

The future

To develop the Integra agency business into a highly regarded operation which customers choose to use based on the quality of our service and sales performance. Also, to see my team develop and be able to take on new challenges and opportunities. On a personal business level, I would like to maintain a varied working life and work with a range of new and interesting clients.