Fortune favoured the brave

Leaving behind a secure job and diving head-first into a new business isn’t for the faint-hearted but we are pleased to report that it’s proved to be a great decision for Greenway Business Centre customer Oliver Fortune. We spoke to the young entrepreneur about his journey so far.

The seven-year itch

Seven years since leaving school to join the estate agency sector, Oliver knew he could do better himself, so he took the plunge and began his own business. Together with colleague Dan Coates, the pair set up Fortune & Coates, with the aim of providing outstanding customer service to each and every client. Oliver comments:

“I felt like we could offer different things to other companies in terms of how we market properties and give better customer satisfaction.  Dan and I care about the customers. We give them personal touches. We use personalised messages, so they feel connected to us all the time.”

Fortune & Coates success

Labelled ‘The People’s Estate Agent’ on their website, the business has very quickly gone from strength to strength. Within 12 months, over 200 properties have been listed, surpassing all initial targets set by the pair!

“A lot of people got bored of their houses during lockdown, saved some money or wanted to upgrade,” explains Oliver.

Their swift success has led to three employees joining the team and expansion to a larger space at Greenway Business Centre. A key reason for the move was to utilise convenient, free parking for customers.

“Estate agents are moving away from town centre locations because if someone has to drop off keys, they have to pay for parking and walk miles to the agent’s office. Here they can park directly outside our front door. The reception team at Capital Space are really helpful too and it’s always clean and tidy”.

What’s next for housing market?

Oliver is optimistic for the future of the housing market and admits he has no intention of taking time off just yet, he is happy to take advantage of the opportunities.

“Houses are still selling within days and there are still buyers out there.”

For the next generation of entrepreneurs Oliver shared his words of wisdom that reflected his rise over the last seven years.

“Stick at it. Take the risk. It’s always worth it if you work hard.”

We’re so glad to hear our customers are having success, diving head-first into a new business can be tricky but we are please to hear it is going well and are proud to continue to support the business and its growth into 2022.

To find out how Capital Space could benefit your growing business, call 0800 107 4667 or email info@capitalspace.co.uk

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Harlow
We provide a selection of secure, modern and attractive workspaces at Greenway Business Centre.  We offer 60 offices, studios, and workshops on flexible monthly licenses and can accommodate start-ups to SMEs.

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