It's March madness at 1stavenue.co.uk this month. After a very successful January sale we have in conjunction with a plethora of landlords got some big rent reductions available.

1stavenue.co.uk is noted for our forward thinking approach to estate agency. Dusting off the cobwebs of the traditional, we show how things are done in the 21st century.

If you're a landlord, hop on board. If your a tenant come and grab some amazing bargains this March that could well save you in excess of £1200 in a year! Mortgage holders are benefiting for cheaper rates, why shouldn't you?!

Call the office on 020 8852 9444 for more details! C'mon...what are you waiting for?!

Customer Service

With the recession now seemingly in full swing with both small and big business feeling the pinch, the fight for consumer attention has never been greater you might argue. But if that IS in fact the case it's not filtering down from the board room to the troops on the front line.

I'm a big believer in good, solid customer care. I ask it of my staff and I also expect to receive it when I intend to part with my money. If I'm not getting the service I want, what do I do? Walk out? (Well I should). Mutter under my breath? (the usual). Buy it anyway, but resolve not to return? (Bingo)!

The UK consumer is more likely to vote with it's feet rather than complain, because why? What good is it going to do? It's not a pessimistic approach, experience tells us this. Whilst getting something off your chest can feel good it normally leads to a greater level of confrontation from badly trained managers plus you look like an idiot complaining in public places when everyone is looking at you.

I've come off the point a little. The point is; business - big or small needs to make sure the consumer is being looked after. Employees need to understand that this is critical to success, so as to protect the company they work for and to also protect their employment.

I don't care if all I'm buying a Whopper Meal. I want it quickly, I want it hot and I want it with a smile, some eye contact and a genuine thank you. Too much to ask? Maybe for big faceless corporations but for us smaller businesses where the MD spends a lot of time working in the business the 'wow service' ethos can be past along, corrected and maintained daily (and you can see the difference), the rest of boardroom, if they want my business at least, need to go 'back to the floor'.