Juggling a growing business with being a mum of three boys makes for a busy life but it’s one that Laura Mearns wouldn’t swap for the world.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Laura launched residential property letting and sales agency Northwood Aberdeen with husband Steven in 2008, when the country was in the grip of a worldwide economic recession. Both chartered accountants, they identified a need for a new property leasing offering in the Granite City, which had a reputation for bucking the national trend.
As new parents to a months-old baby, they quickly learned to balance work with family life. Just five years later, Steven set up his own business and Laura took over the reins, working full-time to build an award-winning company, now Northwood North East, with a string of offices throughout the region.
MONDAY
My days start early, ensuring some time to myself before the madness begins. After reviewing weekend enquiries, the team – my biggest asset – and I plan for the week ahead. We have a higher ratio of staff to portfolio numbers compared to most agencies, to ensure we have a close relationship with clients. In the evening, I take my eldest to football training, a rare opportunity to catch up on his news. My favourite and most productive hour of the day is between 9pm and 10pm, when I do my thinking, clear emails, and prepare my to-do list for the next day.
TUESDAY
A lettings team meeting first thing allows us to catch up on activity, property numbers, and to resolve any problems. We specialise in providing clients with our unique Guaranteed Rent service, traditional property management and tenant find services, so quite a bit of time is spent discussing contract options with clients. Every second Tuesday, I catch up with marketing manager, Linzi. There is not a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to selling property – it’s very individual and ensuring the correct marketing strategy is vital. Much of the afternoon is spent doing business development, visiting prospective clients, and viewing properties. I work late on a Tuesday to accommodate clients who need evening appointments.
WEDNESDAY
I’m an avid networker and attend various weekly meetings and connect with many local businesses who work together and support one another. I am passionate about helping businesses grow and build their networks. Another passion is supporting our local communities; every year we take part in various fundraising and community events. Next year is our 15th anniversary and we’ve committed to 15 different events, including 12 community days and three fundraising events.
THURSDAY
Thursdays are exceptionally busy as the team discusses lettings and sales, and legislation updates, many of which affect the Private Rented Sector. Supporting landlords through the ever-changing legislation landscape and providing them with robust professional advice to help them make decisions regarding their investments is an important part of what we do. After lunch –spent at a Business Network Scotland event– I visit prospective clients and view properties. Our estate agency – Bespoke by Northwood (recent winner of The Herald’s Scottish Estate Agency of the Year Award) – offers clients a tailored plan to find the right buyer for their home. I’m also busy with plans to open our latest office in the commuter town of Banchory. There’s a lot to do before the scheduled opening date, but it’s another exciting development as we continue our plans for growth and expansion across the region.
FRIDAY
I usually work from home on a Friday, which allows me to do the school run. As much as I am a business owner, I am first and foremost a mum. Steven and I also try to have lunch together on a Friday – with both of us running busy companies, it’s important that we catch up too. I spend the morning reviewing weekly KPIs, and check-in with each office to discuss plans for the month ahead, including our open nights and community involvement. After school pick up, it’s swimming with our youngest before I crack open a bottle of wine and get ready for another busy weekend with the family.
Aberdeen | Inverurie | Banchory | Stonehaven
