Celebrating 27 Years of Grisdales Estate Agents 21 Mar 2024
In the world of estate agency, longevity speaks volumes about trust, reliability, and exceptional service. This year, Grisdales Estate Agents proudly marks 27 years of dedicated service to the vibrant community of West Cumbria. As we reflect on this milestone, it’s a moment to acknowledge the remarkable journey that has shaped our agency into what it is today.
1997: The Beginning
Grisdales was born in March 1997, founded by Tim Grisdale. With a vision of providing unparalleled service to the people of West Cumbria, Grisdales opened its doors on Main Street, Cockermouth, with a small but dedicated team of five employees.
2000-2006: Growth
During the early years, Grisdales steadily expanded its footprint and reputation. In 2000, the acquisition of the Mitchells’ Whitehaven Office marked a significant milestone, broadening our reach across the region. Meanwhile, Rachel Ritson joined our team as an Accounts Assistant, bringing her expertise and dedication to our growing family.
2007: A Shift in Leadership
In 2007, Grisdales went from being a sole trader organisation to a limited company and Rachel Ritson took on the role of co-director alongside Tim Grisdale, marking a pivotal moment for Grisdales.
2008: Recognition
Recognition followed suit, with our nomination for The Sunday Times’ Best Small Northern Estate Agency in 2008.
2012: Expanding Horizons
The year 2012 witnessed another leap forward as Grisdales opened its Workington branch, further solidifying our presence in West Cumbria
2014: Prestigious Accolades & Royal Recognition
We were honoured with prestigious accolades such as The Sunday Times‘ Best Small Northern Estate Agency and CN Business Group’s Service Business of the Year.
Adding to our achievements in 2014, Grisdales received a royal endorsement when the then Prince Charles visited Workington and proudly flew the flag for our agency.
2015: Facing Challenges with Resilience
In 2015, the Cockermouth floods devastated the local area, including our office. Despite the challenges, we set up a temporary office on Lorton Street to allow us to continue to serve our clients and support the community during difficult times.
We also expanded our reach by acquiring Cockermouth’s oldest estate agency, Mitchells, which had served the region since 1873.
2015 - 2016 : Transition and Leadership Changes
In 2015, Tim Grisdale retired from day-to-day operations, marking a significant shift in leadership. Rachel Ritson then took over, assuming full ownership of the business in 2016.
2019-2021: Innovation and Community Engagement
In recent years, Grisdales has embraced innovation and community engagement. From launching live chat support and our Land & New Homes services to partnering with the Mortgage Advice Bureau, we’ve continually sought new ways to enhance the client experience and expand our services. One of the highlights of 2019 was the relocation of our Whitehaven office to a larger and improved space.
2020: Navigating Unprecedented Times
The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, we temporarily closed our doors to ensure the safety of our clients and team members. However, we quickly adapted, investing in cloud-based technology, and re-locating our Workington team to our other branches to maintain continuity of service.
2021: Embracing Digital Transformation
We embraced change with the launch of new branding and a streamlined website in 2021, positioning us for continued success in an increasingly digital world.
2022-2023: Celebrating Milestones and Excellence
In 2022, we celebrated our 25th anniversary and were recognised for excellence in both sales and lettings by the BEAG. We forged partnerships with local builders, expanded our services, and navigated the post-COVID property boom with expertise.
2024: Continuing the Legacy
With 27 years of industry experience, our track record speaks volumes: We’ve orchestrated property transactions in sales and lettings that have catered to a clientele equivalent to the entire populations of Cockermouth and Dearham combined—imagine relocating entire towns!
In terms of property sales alone, that equates to approximately £1 billion of properties sold in West Cumbria. We’re incredibly proud of our big impact locally and our steadfast commitment to the area.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team. Thank you for being the driving force behind our success! Your tireless efforts and unwavering support are truly appreciated.
Employee Spotlight: Judith Cameron
As we celebrate 27 years of Grisdales, it’s impossible not to recognise Judith Cameron’s incredible dedication. “Judith really is the foundations of Grisdales, having been there from day one!” says Rachel Ritson. “So much has happened in almost three decades, and I have seen her adapt, grow, and thrive along with the business changes over the years. I thoroughly enjoy working with Judith and see her professionalism, industry experience, and sense of humour as a huge asset to the company.” We’re immensely grateful for her contributions and proud to have her by our side as we continue our journey.
Looking Ahead
Throughout our journey, we’ve witnessed transformative changes in the property landscape. From the introduction of online property portals like Rightmove in 2000, to navigating significant changes such as the tenant fee ban in 2019 and the Brexit referendum in 2015, Grisdales has remained resilient. Despite these obstacles, our dedication to serving our clients and community has remained unwavering. Grisdales has continually adapted to these industry innovations while remaining steadfast in our commitment to exceptional service.
As we embark on the next chapter, we’re filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead.
With the support of our loyal clients, dedicated team members, and the vibrant community of West Cumbria, we’re confident that the best is yet to come for Grisdales. Here’s to 27 years of memories, milestones, and many more to come! Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Property Investment 3 Prime Property Investment Hotspots in West Cumbria
Explore the top property investment hotspots in West Cumbria in our latest blog. From the coastal charm of Whitehaven to [...]
Property Investment Advantages of Investing in New Build Buy-To-Let Properties
When imagining a typical rental property, our minds often paint a picture of older homes. However, there's a noticeable trend [...]
Lettings GRISDALES GUIDE: Tenants Guide To Condensation
In this weeks Grisdales Guide, we look at handling condensation when renting.