Page 11 - link magazine

Ten years and counting for local property agent

PROPERTY sales and letting agent McFarlane pride themselves on
McFarlane is celebrating just providing a professional and personal
completing their tenth year in business. service and believe that this has been
The company was launched in 2004 the key to their longevity and success.
by North Swindon resident Shaun Shaun also regards it as an
Picken. Starting out as a home based important feature of the business
operation the business has expanded to involve employees and helps
into three offices in Swindon, Cricklade charities through a number of events
and Wroughton, with a staff of 12. throughout the year.
Shaun had always had an interest In the Autumn staff organised a
in property and with the birth of his cup cake sale and raffle in aid of
children he decided to give up his Children In Need and in the run
military career to manage his own up to Christmas they held a guess
properties. the penguin name competition to
He had worked with a number of raise vital funds for Swindon CALM
agents on his portfolio, but often felt (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia
the service wasn’t quite what he would Movement). The McFarlane team, toasting 10 years in Swindon
expect. He subsequently thought he
could do a better job and picked his
mother’s maiden name as a suitable
company name.
Shaun told Swindon Link: “It came to
a point where I asked, why not bite the
bullet and set up my own agency?
“As a landlord myself I fully
understood the challenges and costs
property owners often face. I believed
I could offer a service with greater
support and understanding. I feel we’ve
done just that.”
The business grew primarily through
recommendations and in 2010, through
customer demand, it expanded to offer
a more complete package, by including
a sales service in addition to lettings.
Hospice fundraising
picking up pace

PROSPICE Hospice is marking its 35th
year and is keen to include everyone in
celebration fundraisers.
Key events in the calendar are the
Starlight Walk in June and the annual
garden fete in September, but there
are lots of chances to get involved
throughout the year.
On Sunday 22 February the Thinking of SELLING or RENTING your Property
demanding, cross-country Prospect
10k offers a major challenge, but
the gentle, family friendly Walk of Call your local office now for some FANTASTIC New Year Offers*
Memories on Sunday 15 March could
be a good alternative.
Events fundraiser Genevieve Arney Call us Now
said: “Our programme of events is
designed to appeal to as many people or pop into one of our offices:
as possible, to offer the opportunity
for people to show their support for
their local hospice in their own way. High Street Wood Street High Street
We have familiar favourites as well as CRICKLADE SWINDON WROUGHTON
some new events which we think will
be very popular. This includes Run the 01793 751044 01793 611841 01793 812546
Rainbow in September, a fun 5km run
where coloured powder paint is thrown *All new clients who sell or let their property with McFarlane Sales &
at the runners so that we have a multi- Lettings during January & February 2015 will receive an exclusive discount
coloured finish.”
See details of fundraising events at www.mcfarlaneproperty.com
prospect-hospice.net/events
swindonlink.com n February 2015 11