'We used to have to get photos developed at the shop next door': Bradleys Honiton Lisa on 25 years of service

Written by Lisa Rayner

I am approaching the 25th anniversary of seeing a sign in Bradleys Honiton office window as I walked past, advertising for an office receptionist.

I am a Honiton girl, born and bred. I was just about to finish my business studies course at the sixth form of Honiton Community College so I thought this could be an ideal start for me. Brian Bradley and Mike Dibble saw fit to give me a chance and there started my journey with Bradleys.

Over the years I have witnessed a great many changes, particularly in the progression of digital technology.

From having photographs developed in the camera shop next door each day, sticking them onto the marketing flyer and photocopying until a scanner was invested in to enable us to insert the pictures onto a word document!

Gradual changes over the years to this process brings us to today where we have professional photography and floorplans as well as walk-through video tours. Of course the internet and email now also plays a major role which was only in early development stages for Bradleys back in the late 1990s so all communication was telephone and letter.

Computer databases were non-existent instead having index boxes full of hand-written note cards recording all prospective buyers details and requirements as well as bulging filing cabinets for sales and lettings properties.

Our sophisticated system now links us to the whole Bradleys group from Penzance to Taunton allowing us to service a wide range of clients and locations. So many changes I could continue for a while!

My role has been predominantly office based where I love being a support in all aspects of the office procedures, meeting clients who we are going to help move onto their next home as well as welcoming new residents to our beautiful part of the world, where I believe we are truly lucky to live.

Honiton has always been my home and where I still live with my partner and two girls.

I find it to be a nicely mixed community with a pleasing High Street of many independent businesses as well as being close to stunning countryside, the Jurassic coast, Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and easy commuting distance to the City of Exeter by car or train.

Bradleys has been a great company to work for and the variety of the role makes each day interesting, not to mention the fantastic team of people I work with.

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