.....Property maintenance and green technology products introduced at Northern Thai

It is the aim and ambition of Northern Thai Realty MD John Seymour to make his brokerage a “one stop shop” for customers. It has been since he took the MD’s chair last year – months before the financial slowdown that has affected property worldwide.
Whether this move was made with foresight or simply based on sound business principles only John can say, writes John Davids. But one thing is clear – any move that reduces reliance on property sales for income seems sound ... hindsight is a wonderful thing!
And so it is that NT are seeking to expand their services again in property maintenance and diversify by adding a totally new string to their bow with the introduction of green, solar-powered products in association with sister company Eastern Gate who have tied up a deal with Technology Green Solutions (see previous spread).
The expansion to capabilities comes with the introduction of a Property Maintenance Services division headed by Satnuan Sudcha.
“Satnuan’s a good all-rounder capable of turning his hand to most building projects,” said John Seymour. “He has gathered a good team around him and keeps a tight rein on them.”
John continued: “We have always offered a limited property maintenance service but now we have extended our range and can do everything connected with a building.”
The service ranges from full construction of an extension to fixing a light fitting; cleaning pools or cutting the grass.
Promotional material for the new service lists the following capabilities: swimming pools, gardens, air conditioning, painting, decorating, tiling, electrical work and all general building work. It says: “Let us take the strain out of those tedious, but necessary, jobs.”
Of course, among the tasks NT/Eastern Gate will soon be able to perform will be the installation of solar-powered products. The broker group has been granted marketing rights for the domestic market by TGS.
The product range includes solar panels capable of heating shower water and powering electric appliances right through to ornamental, garden products – the frog spouting water is my personal favourite.
The panels require skilled installation but many of the other products are ready to use. Among the joys of solar-powered ornaments is – no wiring.
This lack of wiring could even have a positive security impact. “Thieves like to cut power cables to turn out all the lights,” said John Seymour. “This isn’t possible if you have solar-powered globes mounted on the perimeter wall.”
Asked why he decided to link with TGS on solar products John replied: “I’ve always believed solar power has huge potential but, until recently, it was an expensive option. Now, advances in the technology mean it is more affordable, more efficient and available to everyone. Also, now is a good time to diversify.”
The Eastern Gate dealership will mainly sell solar applications for the domestic environment, leaving TGS to look at the larger – hotels and public buildings – markets.
“We plan to supply garden centres with a range of products on a ‘sale-or-return’ basis,” said John. “That shows we’re confident about the sales potential for these products.”
At the time of writing this article NT group staff were undergoing training on the capabilities of the TGS products which are a mixture of practicality, smart design and fun! Plans are in hand to convert one of NT’s Second Road offices into a showroom for TGS products.
“Of course, it’s not easy to establish a solar showroom in a office that doesn’t enjoy a lot of direct sunlight,” joked John. “But I’m sure we’ll cope.” Ω