Swoffers is thrilled to welcome Sarah Gaudion to its Local Market sales team.
Sarah joins Guernsey’s largest estate agency following a career in events management and travel sector sales.

‘Sarah is a great addition to our Local Market team. Her customer service experience and local knowledge means she is the perfect fit and complements the rest of our team,’ said director Spencer Noyon.

‘Local market sales are currently buoyant, and we are really busy with valuations, new take-ons and sales. The first half of 2019 has been one of our best on record and it looks set to continue. We are proud of our reputation as the number one estate agent in Guernsey and know that Sarah will be a big hit with our clients.’

Sarah added: ‘I’m delighted to be joining such an experienced team and am looking forward to gaining a wealth of industry knowledge.’

It’s been a fantastic Island Games for Swoffers Property Manager Nikki Trebert. Sharp-shooter Nikki bagged 3 golds and a silver in Gibraltar this week to take her total island Games medal haul to 21.

She just missed out on a fourth medal in her final event on Wednesday. Having qualified in second position, she had a few shakes in the final and missed out on bronze by 0.5 points.

On day one of the Games, Nikki took gold with partner Rebecca Margetts in the ISSF 25m Sport Pistol Women’s Team event; the duo also combined to win a silver medal in the 25m Standard Pistol Team event.

The following day she took top individual honours in the ISSF 25m Sport Pistol. Nikki shot superbly to keep ahead of nearest rivals Nicola Holmes from Jersey and Gotland’s Eva Widing who took the silver and bronze medals.

Tuesday saw Nikki, who had the honour of being the Guernsey team’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, take her third gold in the ISSF 25m Standard Pistol – Women.

Nikki is delighted with her performance, which marked her 21st medal in Island Games competition and her 10th gold. It’s also Nikki’s ninth Island Games, having first represented Guernsey for pistol shooting in 1997.

‘It has been an incredible week winning gold in Sport Pistol team and Silver in Standard Pistol with my team mate Rebecca Margetts. Competition from the other islands, in particular Jersey and Isle of Wight, have made for great matches,’ she said.

‘We were a little disappointed to miss out on bronze in the Air Pistol by just 4 points. Sport Pistol is my favourite event so I was determined to try to contain my nerves and shot a 550 to secure the gold medal in the individual event. I was also delighted to win gold in the individual Standard Pistol event. This is a strong event for me but I had to try to control the pressure you put on yourself to shoot well.’

Congratulations Nikki.

www.gibraltar2019.com

Swoffers has expanded its Open Market sales team as confidence grows in the island’s Open Market. There has been increased activity levels in all sectors of the market over the last 18 months.

Local Market negotiator Alex Stuart has moved across to join Directors Shauna Clapham, Craig Whitman and Sophie Ephgrave in Open Market sales.

‘We’re delighted that Alex has joined us to help manage the high activity we are seeing across the Open Market at the moment,’ says Craig.

‘Alex’s increasing knowledge and understanding of client needs means he is a great asset to our team and business as a whole.

‘We’re continuing to receive a good number of enquiries from both new clients looking to relocate to Guernsey and existing clients looking for their perfect home. We saw a significant increase in sales in 2018 and the first half of 2019 has also been strong. Alex has already negotiated his first couple of Open Market sales and I’m sure there will be many more to come.’

Alex added: ‘I’m really excited to join the Open Market team and know that I can bring the experience and enthusiasm I gained working in Local Market sales to our clients in Open Market. Swoffers has the largest and most experienced sales team and it’s great to be part of such a successful local business.’

 

 

Here’s your chance to win a £750 cash prize!

Swoffers’ Snap Your Summer photo competition is back for 2019. We are looking for images that encapsulate the essence of summer in Guernsey. Simply upload your photo below for a chance to win.

The competition runs until the end of September and the winner – who will also receive their photograph on a large canvas – will be announced in October. Last year’s winner, pictured above, was Mel Weatherburn with her shot of Port Soif.

Get snapping!

 

 

Property manager Chris Markham is joining forces with airport firefighter Pierre Mahy in the Swoffers-sponsored pairs boat for this season’s Guernsey Rowing Club championships.

‘We’ve given the boat a complete overhaul during the off-season with a fantastic new paint job and signwriting and we’re really pleased with our first few outings on the water,’ says Chris.

The duo are currently training for the annual Sark to Jersey inter-insular challenge which takes place next weekend, weather permitting.

‘We haven’t had as much time training together as we would like but both of us have been hitting the gym and we feel ready to compete.

‘The Sark to Jersey isn’t only a physical challenge but a mental one too, as you need to plot your course taking into account the tides and currents and of course avoiding the many rocks along the north coast of Jersey. We’ve both completed the race a number of times before but never rowing together so it will be interesting to see how we get on,’ says Chris.

As well as the domestic championship, Chris and Pierre are also planning to take part in the Gorey to Carteret race at the end of July which sees teams from France, the UK, Jersey and Guernsey tackling the 27km course from the east coast of Jersey across to the French mainland.

‘The Gorey to Carteret is my favourite race,’ says Chris.

‘It’s a test of your offshore rowing ability and navigation where you look to get everything right on the day. The support and cheering as you sprint up the estuary to the finish line in Carteret sends shivers down your spine and makes up, somewhat, for the blisters, pain and exhaustion from your efforts. The French hospitality is always wonderful, and we are lucky to have France on our doorstep and part of our season.’

https://www.guernseyrowingclub.org.gg/

Swoffers’ property manager Nikki Trebert has been chosen to be the Guernsey team flag-bearer at the Gibraltar Island Games taking place next month.

Pistol shooter Nikki is a real medal hope for the Guernsey team and will be competing in 25m pistol, standard pistol and air pistol events.

She was proud and delighted to be given the honour of carrying the flag.

‘This will be my ninth Games but my first time in Gibraltar,’ said Nikki.

‘I’ve carried the flag at a closing ceremony before in Rhodes in 2007 but never before have I had the honour of carrying it for the opening ceremony.

‘Gibraltar’s most successful sport is shooting, so competition is going to be challenging and the facilities have been upgraded so it’s going to be an exciting Games.’

Nikki has won 17 medals in previous Games and broke an Island Games record in the last Games in Gotland; she is hoping to do the same this time.

‘We have a very strong shooting team and I’m hopeful we will be successful in bringing back some medals,’ she said.

The Gibraltar Games will also provide a valuable learning experience ahead of them returning to Guernsey in 2021.

‘I have been appointed as the Pistol Co-ordinator for the Guernsey Games in two years’ time, so will be looking at how they organise the event so that we can make sure our home Games runs smoothly.’

#DoingOurUtmost

www.gibraltar2019.com

www.guernsey2021.gg

A lack of supply of rental properties is making it increasingly difficult for potential tenants to find a home.

Data published by the States of Guernsey as part of the Annual Residential Property Stock Bulletin indicates that around 37% of the island’s housing stock is currently rented – just over 28% by private landlords.

‘Like most agents we have a waiting list of suitable tenants looking for a wide range of properties to rent,’ said Swoffers director, Andy Biggins.

‘New properties coming onto the market can sometimes be snapped up in 24 hours and we receive enquiries every day from new people wanting to join our mailing list.

‘Renting out property remains a sound investment. States of Guernsey figures show that the rental index was 4.1% higher in 2018 than in 2017 and 1.7% higher than its previous peak in 2013.’

The rent to earnings ratio remained at 0.47 in 2018, as rental price increases matched earnings increases.

The rent to purchase price ratio decreased between 2017 and 2018 due to the decrease in purchase prices and the increase in rental prices.

Average rental prices increased across all property categories during 2018.

‘The experienced lettings and management team at Swoffers is committed to providing landlords with all the advice and support they need when renting out a property,’ said Andy.

‘Placing your property in Swoffers’ capable hands makes total sense. With our extensive professional contacts and tenants ready to go we will deal with the day to day hassle of letting your property, so you don’t have to.

‘We can adapt our service to meet a landlord’s individual property management needs and try to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

‘We appreciate how difficult it must be for prospective tenants at the moment who are struggling to find suitable properties. There really is an issue with lack of supply at the moment across all areas of the rental market but our advice is to keep checking our website and if there are any potential landlords out there thinking of renting out a property then they should get in touch.’

Guernsey’s annual air display is one of the most popular events on the local calendar.

This year it’s taking place in June instead of September so that islanders can enjoy the Red Arrows, which are touring Canada in September.

Swoffers is one of a number of companies that have signed up to support the event by becoming a ‘corporate friend’.

‘We know the Guernsey Air Display is a mammoth task to organise and also requires significant financial investment, so we are delighted to lend our support to this much-loved event,’ says Swoffers director Spencer Noyon.

‘We would encourage any local businesses or individuals who haven’t yet signed up, to do so. The only reason that Guernsey is able to attract such a wonderful display is through the considerable efforts of the organisers in attracting private funding.’

On Thursday 6th June the skies above St Peter Port will welcome back the Red Arrows, as well as Britain’s only disabled aerobatic display team on their first visit to Guernsey, plus a host of other aircraft.

This year’s display marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and also celebrates the centenary of civil aviation in the island and eight decades of Guernsey Airport being its primary gateway.

‘I cannot think of a better date for the 2019 Guernsey Air Display than 6 June, with all its poignancy of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings,’ says Alan Brunger, President of the Royal Air Forces Association (Guernsey Branch).

‘As in June 1944, and all conflicts around the world past, present and future, many who have fought, are fighting or will fight for their country have paid the ultimate price with their lives.

‘The sole raison d’etre of the Guernsey Air Display is to remember and commemorate all those who have fought in conflicts from World War 1 to the present day and will continue to do so in the future.’

For more information on how to become involved with the Guernsey Air Display visit www.guernseyairdisplay.com

#makeithappen

While you’re thinking about finding your own perfect home, take a moment to think about how you might be able to help some of our furry and prickly friends find theirs.

It’s that time of year when hedgehogs are awake and breeding, but it’s also a popular time of year to be mowing and strimming. On the back of Hedgehog Awareness Week, the GSPCA is reminding islanders to take care when giving their gardens a spring spruce up.

‘Mowing and strimming long grass and using hedge trimmers near to the ground can cause severe injuries to hedgehogs,’ said GSPCA manager, Steve Byrne.

‘Sometimes hedgehogs will snuggle down unnoticed into tall grass and can be caught with blades and strimmers. When cutting long overgrown areas, initially cut to about a foot high, and then check for hedgehogs and other wildlife before cutting any lower.’

It’s estimated that there were over 30 million hedgehogs in the UK in the 1950s, but recent estimates suggest there are less than a million left. There are still plenty of ways we can help them thrive in our gardens though. Hedgehogs love piles of leaves and logs, and they’re a gardener’s friend as they eat slugs, snails and insects.

‘We would urge anyone who comes across a mum and her young not to touch them and to give us a call for advice,’ said Steve.

‘Mother hedgehogs with their young are always best left alone if in a safe area, as disturbing them can mean that the babies don’t survive.’

Food and fresh water will encourage hedgehogs to return. Leave out foods like tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) and crushed dog or cat biscuits. Specialist hedgehog food is also recommended and can be bought from wildlife food suppliers. Never feed hedgehogs milk as it can cause diarrhoea; instead provide plain, fresh water in a shallow bowl.

And even if you don’t have a garden you can still help. The GSCPA is currently fundraising to build a new Wildlife Hospital on its St Andrew’s site. Planning approval has been granted and the charity is hoping to raise around £900,000 to cover the build costs.

The GSPCA helps more than 2,000 wild animals every year ranging from seals to baby birds and of course lots of hedgehogs.

You can find out more about their appeal on their website http://www.gspca.org.gg/

Swoffers’ film about the real locations featured in the book the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has been used this week to promote the island to a group of visiting journalists.

The group included travel writers from the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, leading Australian lifestyle magazines and representatives from major regional publications in the South West, Kent, Essex and Yorkshire.

They came to the island onboard the CMV Columbus on a 10-night British Isles Discovery cruise having visited the Scottish Islands, Dublin and the Isles of Scilly.

Swoffers was contacted by Paul Foster from Cruise & Maritime Voyages who had found the video online and was intrigued about its content and why Swoffers decided to make the film. He wanted to show it to the journalists as part of their visit to Guernsey.

‘We were delighted when Paul contacted us about our film,’ said Andre Austin, Swoffers Director.

‘We decided to produce the short film because as a 100% locally owned company we are passionate about our island and its fascinating history.

‘We wanted to share some of the real locations featured in the book with as wide an audience as possible. We did not do this for any specific business purpose – it was just because we love Guernsey.’

You can see Swoffers’ film at https://youtu.be/avHAG88IVq8

 

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