Lincolnshire's LM Surveying Services shines with Surventrix

LM Surveying Services - Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Surveyor — **Website:** lmsurveyors.co.uk

**Services:**
New Build Snagging Surveys.
RICS Level 2 & 3 Home Surveys.
Comprehensive Valuation and Drone Survey Services.

LM Surveying Services is redefining the essence of property surveys by offering a unique and comprehensive perspective across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Through cutting-edge technology and an honest, customer-focused approach, the firm aims to provide exceptional service.

The firm is RICS and RPSA regulated and its owner Callum Lyman has over a decade's experience in the private property sector.

Surventrix spoke to Callum to find out how his business is performing, his technology adoption and his unwavering commitment to client service.

How did your career start?

After completing my A levels in college, I attended the University of Lincoln and studied sports development and coaching. I have always enjoyed working with people, and I have played football all my life. I decided to pursue a Post Graduate Certificate in Education as I wanted to become a teacher. In the end, I realised it wasn't for me. I was also a coach at the Lincolnshire FA Centre of Excellence, working across multiple age groups.

Describe your journey into the world of property.

Growing up, I wanted to be an architect, but the training path didn't appeal to me. As a 22-year-old, I started working in an estate agency. In a couple of years, I was promoted to manager, and as an Estate Agent, I began speaking with surveyors about their role in more detail.

Then I did a part-time master's degree in building surveying. I then worked at Lincoln Council as a Private Housing Technical Officer. I worked on projects such as enforcing housing standards and managing disabled facility grant works while finishing my studies. Those studies ended in 2018 and I joined the Countrywide AssocRICS training scheme. I was with Countrywide until January 24 when I started the business.

What do you enjoy about property?

Property has always fascinated me, especially residential properties with real flair, old and new. Having grown up watching Grand Designs, I'm also a property developer. Working with my dad, we have built and renovated properties for the last 8 years. This gives me a true understanding of construction and building pathology.

How did you get started with your own business?

It is a passion of mine to work with people and property and surveying helps me do that. I enjoy the process, and have always liked the idea of working for myself. In my previous role there was a redundancy consultation. I was lucky to stay, but had cut my teeth for 5 years and decided I was ready to start my own business. I knew time was on my side so I took a chance!

How is the business performing?

I am delighted with the progress I have made so far. LM Surveying Services is fully booked for the next couple of months and I am in the process of bringing in an administrator to support the business.

For the best client experience, I focus on one survey per day, and this has been the right approach. I'm doing everything to make it work, and I'm glad clients give the firm five stars, we've got stacks of reviews.

There will always be reasons not to do it, especially if there is little work out there. The decision to take the leap was made based on my skill set, local knowledge, and experience.

What marketing strategies have you used to promote your business

Networking! From my experience as an Estate Agent, I had existing relationships with Mortgage Brokers, the Local Council and Estate Agents.

I would recommend that any surveyor get out there and network. It all boils down to networking, attending events, and touching base with prospects and current clients. In every way I see things, I'm always sowing seeds, and I believe that something will always flourish. That’s how I expanded into other areas.

I've also focused on communicating with people in the way they want. Most of my communication is done via phone.

But then, the younger generation doesn't like being contacted by phone and may prefer a text. It's important to know how people prefer to be communicated with. As a surveyor you deal with all sorts of clients and need to appeal to them on their level, like and professional services business. There’s definitely a psychology behind it.

How do you use Surventrix in your business?

I use everything and love that it's a one-stop shop. I can send quotes, write reports, pull report data and find what I need quickly. Everything is in one place.

I also use Surventrix for all my surveys and valuations, and use RICS templates for surveys. I also use the iOS version on iPad with my custom paragraphs for some of my surveys.

What other technology do you use for surveying?

I use drones for many of my surveys. I have camera poles too, and recently purchased a thermal camera for Level 3 surveys. It's effective for cold bridging and insulation deficiencies. Technology makes it possible for clients to get a more holistic picture of the situation.

Would you recommend Surventrix?

A million percent! Not just the software, but also the people. I’ve used the big firms before while working for a corporation, but if you need help you just get passed around.

Surventrix will always reply with an answer and some feedback. The development team is integrating updated features constantly, and is willing to listen to feedback for further improvements.

It's more of a community. I know the team well, along with the Surventrix community who use it which is very handy indeed, meeting many of them at Surventrix Connect.

What’s next for LM Surveying Services?

I'm looking forward to our new administrator Nicole starting shortly.

I originally wanted a full year on my own. However, due to our success, there is potential to hire a surveyor too. It's an exciting time for all of us involved in the business.