Getting to know...Kenneth Noakes

This month we caught up with Kenneth Noakes, who has been in the industry for over 40 years and is a longstanding member of the local Coastguard Rescue Team: 

 

Q: As you cover Argyll and Bute, can you tell us how the property market is just now?

A: Much like everywhere just now, it is very, very busy. There are still many incomers that are looking to relocate here which has driven prices up, as the supply of available properties has generally not kept up with the demand. Historically, internet communications here would be very poor, but more recently this has improved dramatically which means that the area becomes even more desirable- especially with the rise in home/flexible working.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: Well I absolutely love the outdoors, sailing and boating is my passion and I love the sea so the best bit has got to be travelling, being out and about and getting to visit loads of different locations all over this stunning area.

 

Q: What do you get up to when you’re not working?

A: I am a longstanding member of the local Coastguard Rescue Team and on call pretty much 24/7. We carry out mainly emergency coastal search and rescue and water rescue tasks but also assist with inland searches for missing and overdue people, helicopter medical evacuations and help the other emergency services when required. As you can imagine, the training is intense but very enjoyable. It doesn’t mean it can’t be traumatic or stressful at times but we all enjoy giving something back to the rural community we live in. Fortunately, Allied Surveyors (and my family!) are very understanding when I get called away in an emergency.

 

Q: Can you tell us one piece of advice that you would give to a younger surveyor, or someone just starting out in the industry?

A: I would say that it is imperative that you are friendly, approachable, and professional at all times. This job requires you to go into people’s homes which is a very personal and private space so you must treat their house how you would like yours to be treated. Discretion is also extremely important in this line of work.

 

Q: Have you got a fact about Argyll that we may not know?

A: Yes! Indeed I do! Argyll & Bute has a longer coastline than France!