Say hello to Emma, the newest addition to our business development team at City Guardians. Emma will be working closely with clients, building new connections, and helping us identify properties that need securing and could benefit from our guardianship services.
With over 30 years of property experience, Emma brings fantastic knowledge and insight to the role, and we’re thrilled to have her on board. She’s already eager to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in, so we caught up with her to find out more about Emma and what she’s most passionate about.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
What’s your name, where are you based, and what do you enjoy outside of work?
Anything people might be surprised to learn about you?
My name is Emma George, and I am Cambridge born and bred. My hobbies include travel, going to the gym and spending time with friends. Football is a big part of my life too! My husband and daughter are both qualified referees, so I am often found on the sideline at weekends.
2. What’s your background in housing, property, or sales?
How long have you worked in the industry, and what roles or experiences have shaped you most?
My whole career has been property focused. Starting out as a letting’s assistant in a local estate agents, I got the property bug. I have a career of over 30 years in property in various guises, but more recently a 22-year career in local government which I think has shaped me most. The knowledge gained, the generous learning shared and relationships made have helped me become the person I am today.
3. What attracted you to City Guardians?
What stood out about the company or the guardianship model when you first came across it?
I was intrigued when I heard about City Guardians. Guardianship is not an area I have ever worked in. However, my people skills and the relationships I have built will help me to build the City Guardians brand. City Guardians is small but perfectly formed. They have a great team who are very passionate and that’s important to me.
4. How does your previous experience help in your new role at City Guardians?
Are there any specific skills or lessons you’re bringing with you that you think will make a real difference?
Working in housing for so many years I have made some amazing contacts both in the private and public sector. These relationships will be key to my success at City Guardians, and I look forward to working alongside local authority, RP and private sector colleagues again.
5. What does your role involve day to day?
In simple terms, what will guardians or clients most likely interact with you about?
I am joining city guardians as a business development manager to help build on the already amazing work done. I will be looking for new opportunities for City Guardians to bring empty properties back into use.
6. What are you most excited to learn or develop in this role?
Is there a particular area of the business you’re keen to get stuck into?
I am keen to work with the guardians and understand their role better. Guardians are very different from tenants and have different responsibilities. I am always keen to learn, so this is exciting for me!
7. City Guardians is growing quickly – how do you approach working in a fast-moving environment?
What’s your mindset when things move fast or priorities change?
Being part of a growing business is exciting and I know from experience, you grow with the business. I am never one to rest on my laurels and I always look at business to see if there are ways to deliver. When you are part of a growing business, you can help shape the way you work, you’re naturally more invested and it never feels like work.
8. What do you think makes City Guardians different from other property or housing companies?
From what you’ve seen so far, what sets the business apart?
City guardians are accessible as they are a small organisation. Rob is at the forefront of the organisation and is available to talk to people. People work with people and that accessibility is key.
9. Outside of work, what keeps you busy or helps you switch off?
(Hobbies, interests, fitness, travel, family, etc.)
Travel, travel and travel. I love going to new places, trying new foods, experiences and meeting new people. I think it aids personal growth.
10 Anything you’re looking forward to in the months ahead at City Guardians?
Whether that’s growth, new sites, new challenges, or building relationships with guardians.
I am looking forward to getting my teeth into a new role and being super busy!
