This is Plymouth --WELL over 100 estate agents from offices throughout the South West from Penzance to Bristol attended the Property Sharing Experts AGM and conference recently.
Arranged and hosted by the Property Sharing Experts organisation for its network of nearly 80 member offices, the conference was held at the St Mellion International Resort and featured a suppliers' trade exhibition and an excellent line-up of guest speakers, who educated, informed, enlightened and entertained the delegates.
Sponsored by the South West Media Group, Cornwall & Devon Media, the Mortgage Advice Bureau and Expert Agent, the conference began with the trade exhibition in which a collection of local and national suppliers showcased some of the latest products and services on offer to the industry, all designed to enhance and broaden the range and quality of services provided by the estate agents to their clients.
Compere for the event was Richard Worrall, consultant auctioneer for the network and no stranger to the rostrum. First of the guest speakers to stand was Charlie Snell from Rethink Marketing, who explained the importance of branding and what it entails. Next up was Peter Brodnicki, CEO of the Mortgage Advice Bureau, who presented a knowledgeable insight into the UK mortgage market with some interesting facts and figures. Samantha Ashdown, owner of specialist marketing consultancy HomeTruths, illuminatingly delivered her top tips for estate agents' successful use of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter.
After a coffee break with more networking and perusing the trade stands, representatives from the South West Media Group introduced some new products and services and Sally Lawson, owner of Concentric Lettings explained her successful property lettings business model.
The highlight of the event was the hugely inspirational keynote speaker, Ben McBean – a Plymouth-based ex-Royal Marine Commando and double amputee, who left a lasting impression in everyone's hearts and minds with his deeply moving yet highly entertaining account of his time serving in Afghanistan. Ben, now 26, completed the 32 weeks of gruelling Commando training and in February 2008, just five months into his first tour of duty, he was blown up by a Taliban landmine sustaining horrific injuries, which led to the loss of his right leg and left arm and two years of rehabilitation. There was an uncertainty whether he would live or die.
Ben ran the London Marathon in both 2009 and 2010 and has since completed an expedition to Everest Base Camp as well as the Three Peaks Challenge. Prince Harry hailed Ben as a "real hero" and best-selling author Andy McNab said of Ben: "His courage and positivity are infectious and his optimism in the face of adversity makes him an inspiration to everyone."
Speaking at the conference, Ben said: "For me, making the most of life is what being a Royal Marine is all about. My life isn't a misery, I have a good family and good friends, what more could I want!"
Raffle tickets sold at the conference raised £344 for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
Steve Moir, chairman of the Property Sharing Experts, himself an ex-Royal Marine, said: "The conference was excellent. The event is about getting together with old and new colleagues to share experiences, news and views; providing our members with useful and practical information, industry updates, opinions and advice from industry figures and invigorating with the motivational speaker.
"Ben certainly stole the show with his remarkable story of bravery and determination, which touched, humbled and inspired us all." Reported by This is 2 hours ago.