The Exeter Daily - Property

Has your property been damaged by Storm Ciaran? Beware of Rogue Traders...

News Desk — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 23:23:06 +0000

Heart of the South West Trading Standards is urging householders, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard for rogue traders who might try to take advantage of the damage caused to property by Storm Ciaran.

On Wednesday night and throughout Thursday Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay was hit by rain and high winds of up to 75mph.

Fencing, sheds, roof tiles, guttering and garden equipment are the kinds of things that can be damaged by high winds.

Now trading standards is urging householders to always reject offers of goods and services from cold callers, which could include people claiming to be tree surgeons or roofers, and other tradespeople who call or knock on the door uninvited or even call out of the blue.

There is concern that desperate householders may drop their guard and be duped by unscrupulous traders who will try to convince them there is a problem when there isn’t or that they can fix damage quickly and at a more competitive rate.

Alex Fry, Operations Manager for Heart of the South West Trading Standards said: “Unfortunately it’s a fact that rogue traders always try to take advantage when people are at their most vulnerable – we saw it in the storms last year and during Covid. They will try to take advantage of emergencies, disasters and extreme weather events to make as much money as they can.

“They target the vulnerable and elderly. They might knock on your door and say a branch is damaged or a tile is loose and is dangerous – ignore them.

“If someone on the doorstep, or through an unsolicited telephone call, tells you that your property needs repairs or maintenance of any kind, be suspicious.

“If you need work done use a trusted source or visit a website like Buy With Confidence to find a reputable trader and try to get at least three quotes for work.”

Trading Standards’ advice

If damage is weather-related, speak to your insurance company first before agreeing to have work done. The company is likely to have a list of approved traders and may well want to instruct them to undertake any necessary repairs.
Do not agree to have work done by anyone who cold calls.
Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Try to get at least three quotes for work.
Make sure you know the trader’s name and address. If things go wrong, it is usually easier to arrange a repair or refund with a local trader.

Residents can report rogue traders or get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.

Leading Exeter property consultancy announces three appointments as it continues to expand in SW

News Desk — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:05:55 +0000

A leading property consultancy in Exeter has made three appointments as it continues to expand in the South West.

Fisher German has welcomed Sarah Teagle as an associate in the firm’s Infrastructure Services Division.

The firm has also appointed two new graduates, with Henry Bosworth also joining the Infrastructure Services Division and Charlotte Scott joining the firm’s Property Management Consultancy Division.

Sarah joins the firm with almost 10 years of property expertise having worked in land referencing before qualifying as a chartered surveyor.

She has strong roots in Cornwall and is set to support the development of Fisher German’s work in the county.

Sarah said: “I am extremely pleased to join Fisher German. The firm delivers a wide range of property services and has a very good reputation in the industry.

“I will be working with several Fisher German’s utilities clients across the South West and also look forward to supporting the business to expand its work in Cornwall.”

The expansion has been driven by an increasing demand for Fisher German services from clients operating across the South West.

It will also enable the firm to develop existing relationships across the region, having worked successfully with a number of local authorities including Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Somerset District Council and Torbay Council.

Darren Edwards, a Partner based in Exeter and Head of Green Energy and Sustainability for Fisher German nationally, said: “We are delighted to welcome Charlotte, Henry and Sarah into the fold at Exeter as we continue to roll out Fisher German services across the region.

“The expansion of our infrastructure services team is in response to client demand but equally demonstrates our commitment to establishing Fisher German as a local name across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

“This comes off the back of a busy summer attending county and town shows where we were able to engage with people and explain a little more about who we are and what we do.

“It is easy to say we are just another firm of chartered surveyors, but many people are unaware of our extensive experience and expertise in more niche areas such as energy, telecoms and minerals where we advise clients across the UK.

“With Charlotte, Henry and Sarah in situ, this will only help us consolidate our presence in Exeter and across the South West.”

Last Chance! Win a share of Exeter housebuilder’s £10,000 community fund

Lauren Westcarr — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:29:58 +0000

A local housebuilder’s community fund closes on Monday – it’s the last chance for charities and local organisations in Devon to apply for a share of £10,000.

Redrow South West, which is currently building at St. Michael’s Meadow and Saxon Brook in Exeter, and Romansfield in Okehampton, has created the £10,000 community fund to support as many local groups, organisations and charities as possible – and is still welcoming applications.

The housebuilder aims to support communities to thrive, so whether funds are required for books to encourage local pupils to get creative and learn, a grassroots football team in need of a new kit or a local children’s group in need of supplies, Redrow South West’s initiative can help.

The Community Fund, which is launching in this format for the first time, aims to help local organisations with specific donations and give them the tools they need to continue to flourish.

Sian Smith, Sales Director for Redrow South West, said: “We’re always looking for ways we can help to create and support thriving communities in the local area and, through our newly created fund, we’re hoping to support more groups and initiatives than ever before.

“We’d like to invite volunteers at local charities or community groups to share their story with us and tell us how we can support them to continue to do the thing they do best – supporting their community.

“We’re looking forward to hearing how we can help people in Devon and the surrounding areas.”

The fund is now open and will close at 11:59pm on 02 October 2023.

For further details on how to apply, please visit: www.redrow.co.uk/south-west-community-fund

Redrow South West currently has eleven developments across the region. In Devon, Redrow is building high-quality, new homes at St. Michael’s Meadow and Saxon Brook in Exeter, and Romansfield in Okehampton.

St Michael’s Meadow is an exciting development of premium three and four-bedroom homes, situated in a charming yet rural location, perfectly placed for amenities with the city centre just 2.6 miles away. The development is within easy reach of Exeter Airport, Exeter train station and the M5 for travelling further afield.

Exeter Property Circle April Event - An Evening with Julian & Jamie

Exeter Property Circle — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:21:15 +0000

Exeter Property Circle is a networking group for people working within property in and around Exeter.

Events are informal and a great way to meet new contacts and catch up with old ones in a friendly environment over a drink.

Please join us on 19th April at Exeter City FC for an evening of networking and drinks with Julian & Jamie.

In April we will be joined by Guest Speakers Julian Tagg ECFC President, Director of External Affairs & Exeter CITY Community Trust Chairman and Jamie Vittles, Chief Executive of Exeter CITY Community Trust.

Julian & Jamie will be talking all things Exeter, business and property as well as talking about the Exeter City Community Trust, one of the Charities we are happy to be supporting again this year.

Tickets are £12 and include a welcome drink on arrival.

Exeter Property Circle is non profit and all money raised is split between our 2 chosen charities, Exeter Chiefs Foundation & Exeter City Community Trust. Both charities do amazing work for our local communities so we are really pleased to be able to support them.

Anyone working within property in and around Exeter is welcome so please do spread the word and invite your colleagues along. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Approx schedule for the evening:

5.30pm - Welcome drink and Networking

6.15 pm - We hear from our Guest Speakers

6.30 onwards - More networking and drinks. The bar will be open throughout the evening so that you can continue chatting for as long as you like!

Please book tickets on eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exeter-property-circle-april-event-tickets-566541269187

If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact clare@exeterpropertycircle.co.uk

Image

Event Date

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Venue

Exeter City Football Club

Local housebuilder set to release exclusive, gated development of five luxury homes in Exeter

Abi Rangecroft — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:25:44 +0000

Bishopstone Homes are preparing for the release of their upcoming development of luxury new homes at The Orchard in Exeter following an increase in demand for luxury, economic housing within the city.

The Orchard is an exclusive, gated collection of five luxury homes featuring four and five bedrooms situated on the edge of the popular city of Exeter.

Following the success of their previous development: Amberley Gardens in Kingsteignton, the team at Bishopstone Homes have worked tirelessly to review changes in homebuyer requirements in order to further enhance their new homes and develop a community of homes that meet the desires of today’s modern homebuyer.

The team at Bishopstone Homes have been working closely with their partner agent Complete Estate Agents to prepare for the delivery of these superior homes to the market and are looking forward to sharing further information with homebuyers during the upcoming launch on Friday 4th November 2022.

Both Bishopstone Homes and Complete Estate Agents will be hosting an official Open Event on Friday 4th November 2022 between the hours of 3pm and 7pm at The Devon Hotel in Exeter. Enabling homebuyers to learn more about the homes being constructed at The Orchard, this open event will also offer them the opportunity to secure the new home of their choice.

The Orchard will consist of four and five bedroom homes, each offering flexible living accommodation set over three-floors, boasting luxury features throughout such as underfloor heating, Quartz worktops with a range of integrated kitchen appliances, electric car charging ports, air source heat pumps and more.

As well as offering internal luxury, each home has been sensitively designed to be sympathetic to its surroundings, featuring handmade red brick and natural slate roofing. A gated entrance also provides a sense of security and privacy to the community’s new residents.

If you’re searching for your next property in Exeter, get in touch with the team at Complete Estate Agents. 01392 422500 | nh@completeproperty.co.uk.

Exeter Property Circle Event at The Quayside Distillery

Exeter Property Circle — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:57:01 +0000

Tickets are now available for the next Exeter Property Circle Business Event.

Please join us for networking & drinks at The Quayside Distillery on 13th October 2022 between 5.30 and 7.30 pm.

We are joined by Guest Speakers James Miles & Michael Tilston from The Mortgage Quarter in Exeter.

They'll be sharing their industry insight using a fun quiz to give Exeter's property professionals an update on the property market and mortgage industry.

Quayside Distillery is also offering distillery tours to all attendees to allow people to learn all about their innovative distillation methods

Tickets are £12 and include a welcome drink of either prosecco / soft drink or a large G&T from the Quayside Distillery itself!

Anyone working within property in and around Exeter is welcome so please do spread the word and invite your colleagues along. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Approx. schedule for the evening:

5.30pm - Welcome drink, networking and distillery tours

6.30pm - We hear from our Guest Speakers

6.45/7pm - More networking and drinks and the distillery tours will continue. The bar will be open throughout the evening and after the event so that you can continue chatting for as long as you like!

Book your tickets here.

If you would like any more information please contact clare@exeterpropertycircle.co.uk

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18868786

Facebook - @exeterpropertycircle

Twitter - @exeter_circle