Becca Byford, COO of Guest Homes looks back on her first year at Guest Homes Ltd and reflects on the wins and challenges that being a Chief Operating Officer of a growing firm has brought.
Since joining the growing corporate and holiday lets business, Becca has overseen exponential growth. Not only with their portfolio of lettings but also their service offerings.
Becca says: “My first year at Guest Homes has been a whirlwind of learning everything there is to know about property. From maintenance, to cleaning to dealing with guest communication- serviced accommodation covers it all.”
Guest Homes Ltd manages around 80 properties around England – grown from 40, only a year ago. The portfolio ranges from city centre apartments for corporate use to holiday homes in prime locations around the country.
Becca continues: “When I first started, managing cleaners in so many different places was hard. Organising when stock was to be delivered and keeping track of when jobs had been done was difficult. There were a few occasions when properties had not been cleaned on time or double booked! However, since joining the business, I made it a priority to improve the Guest Homes’ systems and processes.”
Becca has introduced a cleaning software system which notifies the team of cleaners when a new guest is next checking out and when the specific property needs cleaning. A far cry from a hand written rota the year before. She also systemised the maintenance and ‘to do list’ jobs, by recording them on an online software system where all of the maintenance team access their jobs, ensuring that they keep the properties on top form.
With new properties coming our way, I am excited to work with new clients and explore different homes in new locations. The most exciting part of my role is being able to see an empty property become a stylish home for guests enabling them to enjoy their stay and book again!
Becca’s only piece of advice, in addition to working hard and believing in yourself, is: “playing to your strengths, I like order and relish the opportunity to maintain it and grow the business at the same time.”
Take a look at available corporate and holiday lets at Guest Homes Ltd here: https://www.guesthomes.co.uk/.