As 2024 draws to a close, Alan Webb, Managing Director of the Griffin Group reflects on a fantastic year for the compnay.

It's been a year of growth, achievement, and giving back, from supporting local communities to achieving industry recognition and launching new initiatives.

He writes:

Supporting our local communities 

This year, the Griffin Foundation has been at the heart of our community activities. We were proud to sponsor and participate in several local events that brought joy and connection to our neighbourhoods:

• We sponsored the Woodside and Branfil School Summer Fayres, Christmas Bazaars, and the Treetops School Summer Fete.
• We sponsored the Christmas trees at Upminster and Hornchurch and were invited by the local mayor to turn on the lights.
• We've sponsored local sports teams, including the Thames Bowls Group, Upminster Rugby Club, and Chafford Hundred United FC.
• Finally, we supported the Pinney Talfourd Annual Christmas Charity Concert, which raises vital funds for local charities.

A year of exciting growth and recognition 

2024 was also a milestone year for Griffin Group. We launched some exciting new initiatives and celebrated achievements that we're incredibly proud of:

• Referral scheme: This year, we introduced our brand-new referral scheme, offering rewards for clients who recommend our services.
• Rightbuyer scheme: To help buyers find their perfect property faster and efficiently, we launched the Rightbuyer scheme, a new approach to connecting people to their dream homes. We know sellers are looking for a fast and secure sale for the best price from buyers determined to see it through to the end. The Griffin Rightbuyer Protection Scheme ensures your move is secure and buyers are committed.
• Kempsters and Gates Parish & Co acquisitions: We successfully acquired Kempsters, an estate agent stalwart in Grays, and Gates Parish & Co in Upminster, strengthening our position in the market and expanding our offerings to clients across the Essex region.
• ESTAS Awards: We're also thrilled to share that we were named Best in Postcode Winners at the ESTAS 2024 – the UK's most prestigious estate agent awards – and achieved Triple Winners status (Gold – Lettings Agent Tenant Awards 2024, Silver – Estate Agent Awards 2024, Bronze – Best in the County 2024 Lettings (Tenants)). This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication, professionalism, and hard work.
• ARMA ACE Awards 2024: Finally, our block management team won an ACE award from The Property Institute, recognised for our excellence in customer service and property management.

Impressive sales, lettings and block management milestones

Across our five branches, we've also celebrated some remarkable achievements this year:

• Sales: In the Thurrock area alone, we successfully sold 207 properties (78% of our stock), which meant our turnover was 58% more than our nearest competitor. In Basildon and Stanford, we have also instructed 74 properties and exchanged 49 (64% completion rate). Having the buyers pre-qualified through our mortgage services has meant we sell homes three times faster than any other agent in the area.
• Lettings: We've let 225 properties across Essex, providing homes for tenants while supporting landlords with our expert property management services. We've processed over £13m of rent for more than 1300 properties.
• Block management: We have successfully assumed the management of 16 new developments in Thurrock and surrounding areas, saving leaseholders, on average, 15% from their annual service charge, with highs of 33%. Our total savings for all 16 developments amount to £140,000.

These milestones reflect the trust our clients place in us and the hard work of our teams in delivering exceptional service.

Looking ahead to 2025 

We remain committed to innovation, growth, and community involvement as we enter a new year. Our team is excited to build on the momentum of 2024, continue exceeding client expectations, and explore new ways to give back to our communities.

On behalf of everyone at Griffin Group, I want to thank our clients, partners, and the local community for their continued support. We wish you all a wonderful festive season and a prosperous 2025!

alan webb