Summer 2021

22 Apr21805 2021’s Most Trusted Building Surveyors - UK Ben Naylor of Gold Crest Chartered Surveyors, based in London, talks us through what sets the firm aside from competitors and has helped towards its ever-growing success. Gold Crest Chartered Surveyors (Gold Crest) is an award-winning business specialising in RICS homebuyer reports, building surveys and property valuations. Ben Naylor, Director of the family-run firm, tells us more about the company and its ethos. “Our corporate statement is 'to be rated excellent by our clients, whilst providing the highest possible professional and ethical standards in the surveying industry',” he explains. “This statement is provided to all employees in their contracts. Working by this mantra helps guide our company culture and keeps us on course to provide the best possible service.” Gold Crest doesn't carry out mortgage valuations for the banks. Instead, it works mostly for individual house buyers which allows it to be more customer focused than other firms. This is just one of its distinguishing features which helps it differentiate from the competition. “Many people don't realise that they don't get a proper survey from the bank,” Ben continues. “To get a proper survey, house buyers usually need to come to a company such as ours. We often save people thousands as there are usually many defects that even the current owners of a property are unaware of.” Being a small, intimate team means that internal culture plays a pivotal role within Gold Crest and ensuring that new staff members fit in is of utmost importance. Ben and the team look for positive new recruits with a ‘can-do’ attitude, and he goes on to tell us that there are numerous opportunities for growth within the firm. “We have also just launched a 'Wellness Programme' for our staff that includes gym memberships and incentives to exercise. We are committed to the wellness and growth of our all staff. We love our company culture and we are always looking to improve on it in any way that we can.” Despite the Covid-19 pandemic bringing many industries to their knees, Gold Crest continued in operation and it was lucky in many respects as it was able to effectively protect its staff members. In addition, the housing market remained strong throughout the lockdowns, ensuring that business very much continued as usual. Regarding the future, Ben and the Gold Crest team have some major plans in the works. As well as striving to retain its current Trustpilot rating of ‘Excellent’ and continuing to win awards, such as 2021’s Most Trusted Building Surveyors in the UK, the company also hopes to position itself in the market as the go-to name when searching for a home survey. “We have a wealth of knowledge in buildings and actively employ experts in construction; this is what sets us apart from the competition - that and our level of customer service.” Contact: Ben Naylor Company: Gold Crest Surveyors Web Address: www.goldcrestsurveyors.com