A property expert and skilled golfer is driving his way to a brighter future.
Richard Rafique has just been appointed commercial director at J W Wood Estate Agent in Durham. The 28-year-old chartered surveyor graduated from Northumbria University with a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management. Richard, of Killingworth, said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity. I have always had a passion for property from a young age and this really is my dream job. “The design of property has always interested me, from contemporary glass fronted buildings to medieval gothic and the drive to become a surveyor evolved from this. “Working as a chartered surveyor allows me to meet a diverse range of clients, from local business owners to multi-national retailers. It is also rewarding to be able to offer professional advice that contributes to the success of others.”
Richard is also qualified to provide Energy Performance Certificates and able to assess properties for their carbon emissions. “I could not have imagined being offered a position such as this at this stage of my career,” he said. “I am over the moon at been given the chance to prove my skills and knowledge.”
Richard has a successful background in the commercial property sector working for key companies in the North East and has managed 50 estates in his time. “I am very passionate about what I am trying to achieve,” said Richard. “I am proactive and like nothing more than finding solutions for clients. “Whether it is lettings and sales or property management, this is all about delivering the best service possible and helping as much as we can.”
For the past decade JW Wood Commercial has advised a host of clients on land use and property management. As members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) they are able to offer advice on all aspects relating to commercial property. This includes, landlord and tenant services, ratings, valuations, investments, development, management, building surveys and finance.
A keen golfer with an impressive handicap, Richard said: “Just like my favourite sport I always want to get better and better in achieving results. I drive hard towards a positive outcome and like to see things through to the end. “In my new role I will be offering customers a one to one service from start to completion and making sure we deliver to their requirements. “As the department develops I would like to think that when it comes to all things commercial and whatever issues customers might face, that they think of us straight away.”
Director of professional services Jeff Seed said: “We have been looking for some time to find the right person for this position. “Richard’s enthusiasm and expertise in this sector really impressed us and has secured him a bright future with our company; we are delighted to have him on board.”
For further information on commercial property services call 0191-383 9930 or email commercial@jww.co.uk.
