Harcourts to build on its people and profile

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Harcourts to build on strength of its people and profile

3 March 2009 - Harcourts will be keeping ahead of the challenges and maximising the opportunities presented by the 2009 market by building on the strength of its people and profile, according to Harcourts International Managing Director Mike Green.

Speaking at the official launch of Harcourts’ Annual Business Leaders Conference recently he said the key focuses for 2009 were growing the strength, reach and size of its teams; professional resources and further building a dependable and outstanding brand that its clients could be confident would deliver in an uncertain global climate.

At the Gold Coast event he reflected on an historic record-breaking year of growth for Harcourts in 2008, with the group reaching 609 offices in nine countries including two significant joint ventures, one with high-profile Dougmal Real Estate in New South Wales and the other with the 134 office-strong Homenet Group in South Africa.

Mr Green said along with continuing to focus on the strategic objective of international growth, this year the focus would also be on growing the size and strength of teams within existing Harcourts offices, as well as growing specialist property management, commercial and urban projects divisions.

“We are not growing for growth’s sake, we are expanding our local and international reach, people, and resources, including training, technology and marketing, so that we are better equipped as individuals and as a team to provide our clients with the highest level of service,” he said. “We must ensure we have a laser-like focus on the quality of the experience our clients have when dealing with our organisation as that is the only way we will achieve our goal of being the number one group in Australasia.”

Mr Green said that in the current uncertain economic environment the public, across all sectors, are searching for organisations and pillars of strength they can trust. “The stronger our profile and teams locally and internationally, the higher our recognition and credibility, the more opportunities are presented for our clients and our people.”.

According to Mr Green the year has started with some very positive indicators for the market, including falling interest rates.

“These factors have given some confidence back to the market and the effects will continue to flow through this year, meaning there are many opportunities in the market for buyers, sellers and also the professionals working in the industry,” he said.

Around 350 delegates attended the Business Leaders Conference on the Gold Coast last month and heard from international keynote speakers Mike Staver and Nigel Marsh, along with an inspiring session with New Zealand All Blacks Coach Graham Henry.

ENDS

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