Cluttons in Bahrain reflects on Harry Goodson-Wickes' successful first year in office

Over the past 12 months Goodson-Wickes has been responsible for a range of notable changes, including new policies, events and sustainable initiatives. At the core of such activity is a personal commitment to international best practice and innovation that can be attributed to his long tenure with Cluttons in the Middle East, which started with a role in the Oman office in January 2006.

The primary evidence of the successes of the past year is visible through the expanded team now working in Bahrain, which employs 28 staff.

Six new staff joined the team during this period, with two individuals re-joining the team. Growth has been focused on the residential department, which now offers a high level of experience and local knowledge that has bought it in line with other service streams.

Crucially, the larger team has also remained client focussed; the office recently introduced monthly Rent Analysis Reports to all clients, which offer a realistic snapshot of the market month-on-month.

Cluttons in Bahrain has always enjoyed a strong property management division, which has flourished under Goodson-Wickes' direction. Properties managed by the team are showing benchmark occupancy rates, as high as 90% in Almoayyed Tower.

A key client instruction over the past 12 months was Segaya Plaza, a new development in Manama that will offer 3,150 square metres of retail space and 105 residential apartments.

Cluttons received 50 inquiries for leases in the first week of marketing the retail element and two offers at asking price within 24 hours of rates being released.

Also of note was Cluttons' acquisition of management of the highly visible commercial building Al Nakheel Tower, in January 2012.

Harry has also personally driven a number of initiatives that seek to offer optimum client service matched with environmental responsibility.

This desire to move to a greener path can be witnessed in the new paperless management reports, and power saving devices in properties under Cluttons' management.

In a similar CR vein, the team in Bahrain has shown its support towards developing the local Bahraini workforce, taking an active role in the government backed Tamkeen initiative that offers locals vocational training.

Finally, Goodson-Wickes has been responsible for the creation and launch of 'BRED' the Bahrain Real Estate Drinks network, which offers like-minded industry professionals the chance to meet monthly in an informal after-work setting, encouraging the exchange of ideas and opening attendees up to fruitful new relationships.

Partners for the first BRED evenings included Norton Rose and idworks, whilst Charles Russell will support the next event, set for 26 September 2012.

Goodson-Wickes comments, "The past year has been filled with many memorable moments, not least the start of our celebrations of 35 years in the Kingdom. It has given me great pleasure to lead the team at this time, and to have implemented a number of changes with the aim of continuing to deliver a deeper sense of value and quality to our loyal client base."