Chris and Dymphna
Chris Kerr and his experienced team are celebrating three decades of serving the local community
Thirty years ago, in September 1993, Chris Kerr opened his estate agency at No 75 Goldhawk Road. ‘Thinking back, it wasn’t necessarily the best time,’ he smiles. ‘We were midway through a recession, but I suppose that gave me the incentive to work hard to make the business a success.’
Chris started out in property straight from school, worked first in Chiswick and then joined Prudential Property Services in Askew Road as a Sales Negotiator.
‘I spent five years there getting to know the area. Then, I saw a gap in the market for an independent, locally-focused agency serving Hammersmith, Stamford Brook, Ravenscourt Park and Shepherds Bush.
‘In 2015, when the British Prince pub was abandoned, we moved next door to No 77 Goldhawk Road. We needed more space in which to expand, it was a magnificent, historic building and the perfect solution.’
Kerr & Co has built a loyal client base and a reputation as trustworthy and reliable, with knowledgeable, professional staff. ‘I am fortunate to have such an excellent team,’ says Chris.
‘On the Sales side, Robert Barr and David Knipe have been here for over 20 years, as has the Head of Lettings, Andrew Teague; they are joined by Audrey, Susana and David O, who are all highly experienced.
‘My family has also been a fantastic support: my brother, Sean, managed Lettings for many years, my wife, Dymphna, works in the business, and my children also come in when they are not at university.
‘The longevity of the staff is very important. We meet people at different stages in their property-buying lives – it might be when they are buying a first flat, upgrading to a family house or downsizing from a large home – and it’s reassuring for them to see the same people that provided a good service in the past. That’s particularly so in an industry in which staff often come and go quickly: sometimes, we have sold to several generations
of the same family.’
Equally essential to the business has been Chris’s commitment to maintaining a visible presence in the community. Hence, the company is the main sponsor of Shepherd’s Bush Cricket Club and the local Scout Troop and always supports school fêtes.
‘It goes without saying that, over the past 30 years, our area has changed dramatically. It was definitely down-at-heel and now it is very desirable. The schools are a perfect example of this evolution: they used to be a very mixed bag and now they are Ofsted-rated Excellent with long waiting lists.
‘At the moment, with such high interest rates, the local market is patchy, but that’s exactly when an agency like us comes into its own. We have the expertise to deliver consistent results and, for us, this year has been one of the best ever.’
Over the years, Chris has been tempted to open an office elsewhere, but always resisted. ‘I want to offer a high quality service, and it’s better to do that from one location. I’m still hands on – I’d like to think in a good way! – and really enjoy the job. It’s been a good 30 years and I hope that there will be many more to come.’
Kerr & Co
77 Goldhawk Road, W12 8EH
020 8743 1166
sales@kerrandco.com
https://www.kerrandco.com
https://www.instagram.com/kerrandco/
