Spotlight Series | Meet John

We would like you to meet our exceptional staff who are working tirelessly to keep transactions moving during these uncertain times and beyond.

To kick off our OneSearch Spotlight series, meet John Margett. John is our Client Relationship Manager, and has been with OneSearch for just over three years.

Take it away, John…

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I’m working from home during the current situation and corresponding remotely with colleagues and clients to ensure that we can continue to service our clients and be fully operational until the restrictions are lifted. Usually, my role is nicely varied; some days I am out on the road visiting clients to discuss the challenges they are facing, their current requirements and plans, and to ensure that we continue to provide a bespoke solution for them along with the best level of customer service. We’ll discuss market trends and how they are affecting their firm, and I’ll brief them on any new initiatives and products that I feel would be relevant to them. On other days I will be in the office catching up with admin, contacting clients via telephone or email regarding their requirements and our services, and liaising with our Regional Managers; we work together as a team to consistently deliver a high quality service to our clients.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Difficult to narrow it down to one thing! I love going out and catching up with our  clients and am looking forward to getting out on the road again; I feel that face to face meetings are the best way to build and maintain relationships. The people I work with are absolutely brilliant, and it’s great to work for an exciting, positive, forward-thinking company where everyone is valued.

From your conversations with solicitors, what do you feel are the biggest issues they face today?

We’ve all been taken by surprise by the swift escalation of the COVID-19 virus in the UK, and the restrictions which have now been put in place. The most common theme that has arisen in conversations I’ve had with firms during this period is the uncertainty as to how long the restrictions will last and when we can start to return to something at least resembling normality. Clearly the longer this situation goes on, the more likely the housing market will be affected with people being unable to move, house viewings unavailable and a general reduction in consumer confidence. Despite this, I have been encouraged by the ongoing positivity in the market and the number of firms I have spoken with who acknowledge that whilst the next 2 or 3 months will be incredibly challenging, the storm will pass and the housing market, therefore the conveyancing industry, will pick up and rise again.

What is your favourite aspect of our ordering portal?

It’s easy and quick to navigate and yet gives thorough and in-depth information about the various products we have on offer. The Quick Quote function for indemnity policies is a welcome addition and something I feel really benefits our clients.

Your favourite OSD product and why:

At the moment it has to be OneSearch Transact. A concern I had was local authority searches being delayed because of the current situation. It is a credit to all concerned at OneSearch Direct that we have moved quickly to bring to the market a product which, even during these uncertain times, can typically provide over 70% of the data included in a full local authority search, and provide up to £1m level of cover indemnified by Aviva. This is an ideal solution not just in maintaining progression on transactions, but to give conveyancers and their clients peace of mind.

JUST FOR FUN

When not in the office, you can usually find me here:

I’m enjoying spending quality time with my family at the moment which I love to do generally when I’m not in the office, along with walking our dog; walking in the countryside; playing the violin or piano; playing football; watching football, tennis, rugby union, cricket (or pretty much any sport…I’m really missing sport at the moment!); or relaxing by reading a good book or listening to classical music with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Three things I would struggle to live without are:

1. Sport
2. Music
3. Good food and wine

My last meal on earth would be…

I’m not particularly fussy and like trying different things…a nice 4 course meal prepared by Heston Blumenthal would perhaps be ideal…accompanied by a nice glass of wine.

If you would like to speak with John directly, you reach him on:-

• E-mail Address: jmargett@onesearchdirect.co.uk
• Mobile Number: 07739 336564
• Office Number: 01782 433270

You can also get in touch via Social Media:-

•  @John_OneSearch
•  John Margett

And just for good measure… here’s a throwback to John circa 1997!