New appointment supports
Smales Farm growth model
29 November 2011. Smales Farm has appointed a property accountant with extensive experience in the development and management of commercial property, who says she is struck by the ‘hands on’ style of the Park’s Management team when it comes to resolving tenant or building matters.
Sharon Blincoe comes to Smales Farm from a Management Accountant role at landscaping firm Natural Habitats, but prior to that she was with a property development company in Takapuna that constructed commercial and residential developments as well as managing property investments.
Sharon says she is loving being back in the property and investment business scene.
“Smales Farm sets high standards in the way it runs and reports on its buildings,” she says.
“The Management team is ‘hands on’ in its attention to detail for both tenants and buildings. Tenants are treated like customers, and receive prompt attention. Any building or tenant issue is taken seriously and gets a timely resolution. I’m enjoying the professionalism of the team here. I also like that we are a small team, because it means I can get involved in different areas of the business. We all work together to make it happen.”
Smales Farm implemented new MYOB EXO Business accounting software this year. The specialised accounting software is fully integrated with all tenant information, helping with timely and accurate reporting.
“As the business grows it’s even more important to get accurate and timely reporting, so that directors have the information they need to make strategic business decisions,” Sharon Blincoe says.
“Part of my job is to ensure they have the full picture.”
This year Smales Farm launched a new business model, venturing beyond the geographical footprint of the Smales Farm Technology Office Park site in Takapuna’s Taharoto Road. This sees Smales Farm acquire properties which are of a sufficient quality – or can be made so – to fit within the Smale family ‘best place to work and do business’ vision.
The first property to be acquired under the new growth strategy was the ANZ Business Centre on Albany’s Corinthian Drive. The purchase of 2 and 4 Fred Thomas Drive in Takapuna followed shortly after.
Smales Farm has created a structure which allows participation by investors outside of the Smale family. The ANZ Business Centre acquisition was the first to be based on a joint venture model, with Smales Farm taking a 50% ownership stake and joint venture partners taking the other 50%.
Each new building acquisition is treated as an individual business entity, all managed by Smales Farm Corporate Services in keeping with Smales Farm’s philosophy of providing excellent service to its tenants.
A Council plan change this year provided a huge boost for future building initiatives at Smales Farm. Resource consent is no longer required, so any proposed development can move straight to building consent. New building proposals have no uncertainty – all infrastructure is now in place for Smales Farm to deliver new developments within a known cost and timeframe.