Parker Barras brings next generation into award-winning family-run firm
REAL ESTATE
On the crest of a wave – Left to right , Parker Barras staff George Taylor , Sarah Smith , Jack Taylor , John Taylor , Tiegan Taylor , James Taylor and Dave Taylor .
It ’ s a family affair
WORDS
: SARAH WALKER
Parker Barras brings next generation into award-winning family-run firm
Teesside ’ s commercial property and business sales agent Parker Barras has come a long way since it was formed in 2007 by director John Taylor .
In 16 years , John has built a business that most of his family are proud to be a part of .
He has recently seen the company win the Estates Gazette Award for completing the most deals across North Yorkshire in 2022 .
The firm was also second when it came to the number of deals done across Durham in 2022 – and so far in 2023 , sales show no sign of slowing down .
“ During ten days at the end of April and beginning of May , we had 20 instructions ,” says John . “ It ’ s a phenomenal amount of new instructions for the size of our firm .”
At the end of the phone , handling the record number of enquiries the firm is currently receiving , are John ’ s son Jack , 22 , daughter Tiegan , 24 , and his father David , 74 .
“ I got my dad out of retirement in 2016 !” says John . “ He ’ d been retired for nearly 10 years and I think he was a bit bored . He ’ d always worked in property , but he ’ d retired and got a place in Menorca . He absolutely loves the job now though .”
John ’ s youngest son George , 18 , has also recently joined the firm in marketing , where he works alongside John ’ s brother James , 44 .
John believes together the family of co-workers make a winning team , building effective working relationships
with professionals such as solicitors , accountants and bank managers , who now frequently refer clients to Parker Barras .
“ We ’ ve all got a job to do and we know when to enjoy ourselves , and when to get down to work . It does work for us ,” John says .
Such is demand for the business at the present time , John is now looking outside the family to recruit someone who can help on the business sales side .
“ We would like someone who is confident , outgoing and capable of dealing with clients ,” he says .
Speaking of current market conditions , John says that while a lot of people are expecting a downturn , there ’ s pent-up demand for commercial properties and new business ventures .
“ There is a lack of stock in terms of the number of properties for sale , so there is demand there ,” he says .
Selling a commercial property or business is a viable way of raising cash for individuals who are currently struggling to raise funds through traditional means , he adds .
“ A really wide range of businesses are coming onto the market at the moment , including pubs and hotels ,” John observes . “ When you speak to some clients , a lot of them are selling due to the energy prices and the rising cost of living .
“ People have also seen a drop in trade and at the same time they are trying to manage their costs .
“ Some businesses want a change of direction – and a lot of people are placing
Ambition – Having won the Estates Gazette Award for completing the most deals across North Yorkshire , John Taylor now has his sights on Parker Barras winning the award for the whole North-East in 2023 .
businesses and properties with us due to retirement .”
John believes Parker Barras has become a popular choice on Teesside due to the firm ’ s proactive service , where no fees are paid up-front .
This “ breaks down barriers for people ” and removes risk .
“ We only get paid upon the completion of a deal , so we are incentivised to get a good deal done for our clients ,” says John , who adds the firm has also invested heavily in its systems , procedures and infrastructure , creating a slick process for clients .
“ Our brand is now definitely out there on Teesside , judging by the number of transactions we are doing .
“ Our marketing spend is paying dividends , but word of mouth seems to be our biggest form of advertising .”
He adds : “ Our aim for 2023 is to win the Estates Gazette Award for the whole of the North-East .
“ As we are seeing a record level of enquiries and instructions , we are hopeful of further success .”
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