The Property Centre

The Property Centre is an award-winning estate agent based in the South West of England. The agency offers a full range of sales and letting services and employs over 100 staff across its nine branches and head office. The Property Centre has been a First Solution technology partner for over 10 years. Throughout this time, we’ve worked as an outsourced IT department, managing everything from IT support to cloud telephony and cloud infrastructure to internet connectivity. Three years ago, we presented a documented technology strategy to The Property Centre’s board of directors outlining a new IT and communications framework that would transform the way the business used technology.

Our solution was made up of several strands and took place over the course of 24 months. We worked specifically on cloud migration, connectivity, communications and general IT support.

• Cloud Migration Services

Cloud migration lay at the heart of our strategy. Over the course of 24 months, we moved all business applications, IP telephony services and server infrastructure into the cloud. We also set up a managed office network, so all services were fully joined up.

• Connectivity

We implemented reliable fibre leased line solutions into all of the business’s branches and ensured this was done at the most cost-effective price. All branches now enjoy a dedicated line connecting them to the internet at superfast speeds.

• Communications

Making phone calls is an essential part of The Property Centre’s work, so we introduced a robust, flexible and scalable cloud telephony system that the company could fully rely on.

• Support

Last, but by no means least, we created a simple cost-per-employee IT and telecoms package, including 24/7 support across all branches. If ever an issue arises, whether that’s in work time or at the weekend, we’re on hand to help. Our engineers also make monthly on-site visits to maintain the technology – and answer any questions from the teams.

We’re delighted that the Property Centre has seen a wide range of benefits from our work. The new technology and services have boosted employee productivity, increased efficiency and created a more joined-up feel across all branches. As we fully manage these services, the teams can also concentrate fully on what matters most: supporting their customers and driving growth. What’s more, our simple cost-per-employee model has enabled the teams to budget more effectively for business expansion. The positive effects of this were felt most recently when the centre extended their offering by opening up two new branches.