Your Total Guide To Business

May Talk with Tara Cozens

May is the last month of spring and the month often signifies growth – and is derived from the Greek goddess Maia. It’s often a time of events and festivals nationwide. It’s a busy month and it’s also the countdown to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year. We’d like to find out more about what your business – and you – have planned for May 2022. Today we're talking to Tara Cozens who is the director and founder of TLC Property, an independent sales and letting agent for Swindon and the surrounding areas.

May is the last month of Spring – how has Spring been for you so far in your business?
Spring for us has been a really busy month, with lots of people now looking to move. It has been lovely to have some nice weather for a change as well when we are out and about taking photos and showing properties.

Have you got any milestones coming up in May, personal or in your business?
As a business we have just reached our three year mark. Personally it is my birthday in May so I will definitely be celebrating!

This has been a challenging time for some businesses – with issues around supply chains and cost of living rises – how are you facing that as a business or as a consumer?
It has been a really difficult time for people and we have spoken to a lot of people who have lost jobs or need to downsize due to the costs of utilities rising. Personally, out utilities at home have more than doubled!

Do you have any money-saving tips or hacks you could share?
I shop around as much as possible, to try to find the best deals on things. When it comes to food, I always write a weekly menu and do a weekly shop so that we don’t buy more than we need.

How do you maintain customer service when faced with issues such as staff shortages?
It is such a hard thing to do, as I would really love to be able to answer everything straight away. I have had to put an automatic reply on my emails to let people know that I have received their email and will deal with it as soon as possible due to the level of enquiries we now get.

At the moment it basically means that I work as many hours as possible in order to try to maintain good customer service.

Are you recruiting at the moment? Share more detail of what roles and how people can apply?
I am currently recruiting for an apprentice negotiator/property manager. People can apply via the below link

Apprentice Property Manager / Negotiator - Find an apprenticeship (findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk)

On a lighter note, the Platinum Jubilee is coming up. What do you think of our Queen – does she mean something to you in any way?
The Queen to me, seems to be the person holding everything and the Royal family together. I tend to try not to get involved in discussing politics and the running of our country but I do hope that people in her family follow in her footsteps and keep some of the traditions running.

May is National Walking Month – it’s also one of the most beneficial exercises – do you walk at all?
I love to walk, I find it really helps to clear my mind to go for a walk, especially if I am talking to someone at the same time.

Where is your favourite place to walk?
I try to go for a weekly walk around Purton, which is where I grew up. I love walking along the country lanes. Me and my partner Andy also love to walk around anywhere with a lake. If the end of a journey has a pub at the end even better!

What’s your one top business tip to help others be positive about their business in May & June 2022?
For me, it is to try and surround yourself with the right people. Keep people around you who will encourage you and push you to keep going if things get difficult.

Tell us all one thing which we won’t know about you and you are happy to share.
I have awful eye sight! I once fell down the stairs at an optician's appointment and knocked over their Christmas tree. Once the tree was put back up the optician confirmed I needed glasses, very embarrassing!