60 Seconds with Laura Wells
We recently spoke with our Head of Prime Portfolio, Laura Wells, to find out more about her and her role.
What does the role of Head of Prime Portfolio involve?
I am responsible for overseeing our Prime and Ultra-Prime client portfolios. A key part of that is focusing on the client relationship side, working closely with our customers to deliver a tailored approach to property management that meets their individual needs. I also support all our property managers to ensure they have the right resources to deliver the highest possible standards, as well as focusing on driving new business and client onboarding.
What do you like most about your job?
The interactions I have with customers and clients are definitely my favourite part as I enjoy building those relationships. I think the best part is that that every client is unique so by tailoring my approach to suit individual projects, the role is really varied and every day is different.
You’ve been recently promoted? What has your career journey looked like so far?
I took my first job in property management about 20 years ago, when I started work as an Assistant Property Manager. I then worked hard to develop my skills and progressively secured more senior roles.
When I first joined Rendall & Rittner, I was working as a Property Team Manager. My focus here was on one of our Ultra-Prime sites and that relationship has contributed to how our Prime portfolio has evolved. As the number of our clients and developments in this area increased, it made sense to define a specific area of the business focused on delivering the type of management required by Prime and Ultra-Prime clients.
What made you go into property?
When I finished school and came back from travelling, I was looking for my first job. At the time, I seemed to really have a choice between joining an architects and surveying firm or joining a legal firm as a trainee Legal Secretary. I’d studied Law at A Level, but I thought the property roles sounded more engaging and went down the architecture route so I could be involved in a variety of projects and learn more about how buildings are designed.
From there, I knew that I wanted my next job to be in property too. I was interested in looking at careers in property management to look more at how buildings function. I like the technical side of the role. Quite a few of our clients have technical infrastructure to manage and there are complexities to their budgets and management. I enjoy understanding the details and seeing how it all works together.
Are there any specific challenges that your face working in a Prime sector?
I think the main challenge is that Prime and Ultra-Prime developments are built with very high specifications, which in turn means that repairs, replacements and maintenance can also be very high cost. The balance is therefore how to ensure that the developments are managed and maintained to the standard that clients, customers and residents expect, whilst also balancing the needs for service charges to be competitive.
Who inspires you?
My colleagues are a big source of inspiration for me, particularly the various mentors that I’ve had over the years. I’ve been very fortunate to have always worked with people who back me and give me the resources that I need to learn.
I am also inspired by Sir David Attenborough who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. His life’s work, and his passion for nature and the planet, are really amazing.
What are you most proud of?
In my personal life, I’m most proud of my twin daughters. In my professional life, my career progression is my proudest achievement.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I swim a lot and I find that really good for my wellbeing. I look to do a swim-based charity event annually, so this year I’m doing the Swim22 for Diabetes UK because it’s a cause that is close to our family.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
This year in my role I’m most looking forward to seeing how our team continues to develop and the opportunities that we will enjoy. And spending time with my family in the summer.
