I get asked all the time what’s the point of ARMA and does it matter if you are accredited or not?
Both big questions, and both have maybe many answers. If I asked all the managing agents who are accredited, I am sure I would hear similar things, but also find some unique relevance for one company, that is neither mentioned or even been considered for another.
So I suppose in the end, the answer is unique to each company, and each company has its own reasons, and its own rational for being accredited and making it apart of the culture of the their business.
In the early years of Rynew (Pre-ARMA Q) we never saw or valued the relevance of being a ‘member’ of ARMA. Maybe we mis understood its purpose, maybe we did not see the commercial value, but I know my decision to ‘NOT’ become a member was largely down to my own experience as a leaseholder and engaging ARMA for help. It was neither productive or helpful and I was led to believe they were the guys who could of helped.
Fast forward I’m running a block management company and we want to ensure our service meets certain industry standards and we are able to demonstrate our commitment to high standards externally, ARMA Q was born.
All if sudden it felt like ARMA had a purpose, a vision, one we could align with, and use to boost and help grow our company. Shared values, shared intentions, common goals. Whats not to like?
My reason for getting accredited to ARMA Q was a belief that block management is a professional industry, and that ARMA Q allowed us to demonstrate this on many levels, and gave us foundations internally to build on, which meant externally we could be seen.
Tonight is the 2nd Annual ARMA Ace Awards and we are delighted to be going with the team and to be nominated for ‘Medium Managing Agent of the Year Award’.
Being nominated is great recognition in its own right, as there are many great companies accredited, so being the mix is (so to speak) is an achievement in itself.
Block Management is not for the faint hearted, it can be a ‘Dirty Business’ as my friend Alan says, (as can any property business) and you do have to constantly fight in the trenches at times.
But tonight, we put down are arms, relax and enjoy the night, and I would like to thank ARMA for their commitment to change, and all of the managing agents, suppliers and partners who are nominated for an award, good luck, and look forward to seeing some of you for a great night!
