My Experience of Setting Up a Rights of Light Consultancy: 10 Learning Experiences
Having entered the Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light industry in 2012 somewhat like a rabbit in the headlights, I gained years of experience both in the surveying world and in a development role for one of the UK’s largest and most successful developers. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I had to expand my knowledge but also the professional and commercial experience I gained along the way.
This year, in April 2023, I set up Century Associates. Century Associates is a small, independent Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light consultancy with a commitment to providing a friendly and dedicated service to our clients, whether they be a developer requiring advice in connection with their development sites or the owner of a property whose enjoyment of natural light may be impacted by a forthcoming neighbouring development. We have a passion for Rights of Light and the nuances and challenges it brings to the development process.
Six months in and I find myself reflecting on the journey so far. Marked by highs and lows, huge learning experiences, exciting opportunities and reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, by far the biggest surprise has been that Century Associates has been shown immense support to a level beyond what I ever could have hoped for. One connection of mine told me that I would be amazed at the support I’d be shown from like-minded individuals doing it for themselves once I took the leap to go it alone, and he was right. In a move that comes with huge risks and challenges, it has been fantastic to feel supported in this way.
One might consider the Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light surveying world to be saturated with well-established consultancies. Standing out is a huge challenge and Century Associates is proud to do so by offering an approach that is epitomised by an equal dedication to all of our clients, big or small, and always being present and approachable. I want our clients to feel that they can pick up the phone or drop us an email at anytime and expect the same friendly, professional and dedicated service. We’re also extremely proud to be female-led.
Below, I summarise my 10 key learning experiences at six months in:
Stand out - Be sure to find something that makes your company stand out, whether it be in terms of the services you offer or the way that you offer them to your clients.
Research is key - Establish what services the key players are offering and how your business will align or differ from those. Research your target market and be realistic.
Continuous learning - The Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light industry is always evolving and this is especially so now at a time when the subject is being brought to the fore more than ever. Staying up-to-date with the latest industry news is critical.
Networking - Building and maintaining relationships with peers, mentors and clients is invaluable. Networking can provide insights, opportunities and support during difficult times, as well as allowing you to keep your knowledge up-to-date with the evolving industry.
Professional networks - Joining professional networks via LinkedIn, the RICS (or other governing body) or elsewhere can provide access to resources, industry insights, networking opportunities and generally an important sense of community.
Resilience - Expect setbacks along the way. Adapting, learning from failures (I’ve had a few!) and perseverance is key.
Adaptability - Being open to adapting to your clients’ needs will mean always providing the very best service.
Client care - Delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships can lead to repeat instructions and new instructions through word of mouth.
Personal support - Lean on family and friends for support through the challenges of going it alone. It’s important to remember to have some downtime!
Have confidence in yourself – The most important one for me! Setting up a company in a professional industry such as this is a daunting leap of faith that requires confidence in your own abilities and what you have to offer.
Starting a small Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light surveying practice has been no small feat but incredibly rewarding nonetheless. I am trusting that staying dedicated, adaptable, and committed to being present and approachable to our clients will lead to success and happiness moving forward. I am excited to see what the future holds!