Like many businesses in 2023, we saw a series of major economic and political challenges which resulted in a very varied marketplace across the country. The continued repercussions of potential taxation reforms, increased interest rates and a general election looming in the next 12 to 18 months made everyone take a more cautious approach, a trend which I think we will see continue into early 2024.
It would be easy to start the year with a negative view of what is to come and be led by the constant supply of economic warnings that seem to gain the most headlines within today's tabloids but, I cannot help look back and feel incredibly positive about what has been achieved.
As businesses, whilst being cognisant of external commentators' views, understanding market forces and being economically astute, we must continue to focus on the areas that we can directly control on a day-to-day basis. Throughout 2023 Fisher German continued to grow organically and saw us fully integrate Matthews & Goodman into the business following our merger in 2022. Over the years our clients have created a clear drive for us to move toward a ‘farm-to-city’, as a result, we have strengthened our urban offering to five city centre offices enabling us to be confident that we can now offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ of services to our clients.
The full extent of the services we can now offer will enable them to develop their opportunities and allow our business to continue to grow and evolve. We will continue to focus on building a legacy partnership that is best placed to provide advice that adds maximum value. This will be delivered through the creativity and excellence of our teams in truly understanding our clients and their goals. In 2023, Fisher German welcomed 174 new team members; from summer placements to graduates and the new partners we have seen join us throughout the year further strengthen our teams across the business.
We continued to invest in our office network to provide a workspace that enhances the productivity of our teams, whilst maintaining proximity to our clients and their properties. In 2023 we opened our Birmingham office in the heart of the city. The superb quality of the space, combined with the highly accessible location of Colmore Row, is the ideal location to continue to grow our business within Birmingham and the wider Midlands.
In 2023 we have achieved so much with some great wins with existing and new clients, the introduction of new policies for our staff, many promotions within the business and some key award successes highlighting the quality and talent within the firm. In March our Director of People, Maria Hawley, won the HR Leader of The Year Award at the British HR Awards which celebrates individuals who are passionate about delivering world-class people experience. In November, Ginny Banham won the RICS Land (Rural and Urban) Surveyor of the Year award at The RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards in recognition of inspiring individuals who have had a positive impact on the environment, planning, or any aspect of the management of land.
One of our planners, Scott O’Dell was Highly Commended at the regional Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Planning for Excellence Awards 2023 for the Planning for the Natural Environment Award. Scott managed a planning project for the re-use of an arable field as a natural burial ground. This award category recognises projects that improve the natural environment through conservation, enhancement, or restoration.
Throughout the year, countless colleagues have been involved with fundraising for various causes, including Movember and the Henry Sale Foundation. Many attended and took part in the Henry Sale Cricket Match in late August and will be taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge in May this year when we will see a team of 12 climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. Colleagues from our Worcester office continued to support St. Richard’s Hospice with their hugely successful Lights of Love festival and their Paddle, Plod and Pedal event.
Our volunteering policy gives eligible colleagues time each year of volunteering or pro bono time which they can use to contribute toward environmental and social causes. In the summer of 2023, one of our associates in London completed a cycling challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End raising £7,000 for Dementia UK.
As ever, people remain at the core of everything we do as a business, our people and our clients have always been and will always be our key drivers and we will continue to listen to them. With growth, opportunities materialise for development and progression, strengthening the client experience and building on the culture that underpins the success of the business.
Our focus and commitment remain, built on providing exceptional service to our clients by teams that genuinely enjoy what they do on a day-to-day basis, within an environment that cares and values everyone. Clients face challenges and opportunities, and we are looking forward to 2024 with positivity and a real desire to make a difference.
