Gail Roberts, owner of Whitegates West Derby and Whitegates Huyton, has opened a third Whitegates office in Prescot, 24 years after becoming one of the brand’s first franchisees.
Roberts has worked for Whitegates for 36 years, working her way up from office junior, and in 2001 when the West Derby office became available, she was one of the first senior managers to take on a franchise.
Roberts commented: “In 2015 I acquired the Whitegates Huyton office, and used my industry experience in sales, lettings and financial services to develop both businesses until they both become market leaders in the area. This year I am proud to have expanded the business further by opening a brand-new office in Eccleston Park, Prescot.
“I specialise in sales and lettings, and I am also a landlord myself and fully appreciate the importance of seeing the process from both sides. My ambition has always been to become the best local agent for local people, and I have a fantastic team who are all committed to my philosophy of treating people as they would like to be treated. This has created an incredible reputation for Whitegates in the local community.”
Roberts explains that her firms has been running the Prescot office virtually for some time, but with enormous investment and development in the area the time felt right for the business to have a physical presence.
Whitegates Prescot will be managed by Joshua Cunliffe, who started with as an apprentice six years ago.
Roberts added: “I have always believed in giving young people opportunities, as someone once did for me years ago at Whitegates West Derby. I now have seven apprentices working across the three branches, and I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and providing great training in all areas of the business to help them develop their careers. I’ve also got people working for me who have been with me for many years, so the team has a broad range of ages and experience.
“When I began working for Whitegates in 1989 interest rates were 15.4%, and in 2007 there was the property crash, followed more recently by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whatever happens the business keep coming back stronger and better and we continue to gain traction in terms of market share. I think this mainly due to the training provided, and the values and integrity of the entire team. I absolutely love what I do, and even now, every time a house sale completes, or a let is secured, I get such a buzz. It doesn’t feel like a job when you enjoy what you’re doing!
“Whitegates is part of The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) and the support that franchisees receive is superb. I am very confident that with the help of my team, the wider Whitegates family, and the support of TPFG it will be a great success.”
TPFG Group MD, Rob Smith, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Gail on the launch of the new Whitegates Prescot branch. Whitegates is a highly respected brand within TPFG, and it is testimony to Gail’s professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit that not only is she one of Whitegates’ longest serving franchisees, but that she remains passionate and dedicated to her business, with a willingness to take full advantage of expansion opportunities.
“In addition, Gail’s commitment to helping young people develop their careers through her apprenticeship scheme is inspirational and I wish the team at Whitegates Prescot every success for the future.”
