Our People
 Nick Watson
, MRICS
I joined Rettie & Co in 1998, working with the Residential Letting and Management Team learning the ropes of the rental property market. At this time I also began a distance learning Surveying Course. In 2000 I moved within the business to the Land and New Homes Department and continued my course of studies, graduating in 2002. In 2003, following a two year RICS Assessment of Professional Competency, I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. During the APC, Rettie & Co. supported and arranged secondments to other Commercial and Residential Chartered Surveying firms ensuring I had a broad range of experience in different markets.
During the APC, my Counsellor and Supervisor were Simon Rettie and Tony Perriam and since moving to Land and New Homes, I have worked very closely with Matthew Benson and Simon for several years. Combined, this has put me in a great position to learn from some of the most highly respected property professionals in the marketplace and build a successful career.
Over the last five years, I have been involved, in varying capacities, in most New Build Projects that we have worked on from small scale city developments to major masterplanned schemes of several hundred units. Although there are some standard components of projects, each has significant differences and we bespoke our approach to them all. Each new project therefore brings new challenges, new learning experiences and broadens my skill base.
Currently, my primary roles are managing the Residential Investment Department, working with the New Homes Sales Team Director in a Business Development capacity and Consultancy work on behalf of developer clients. Year on year, life has not slowed down and I thrive on the challenges and the opportunities I have been given in Rettie & Co.
What are the best things about working at Rettie & Co? Firstly, the people. Everyone here has a story, is highly professional and great to work with. We all get on well and work together as a team, which is really important in the kind of work that we do. Another great feature is the variety of work that makes no two days the same. Forward thinking is encouraged and new ideas always explored. As has been clear throughout my 7 ½ years with Rettie & Co., there are great opportunities for career progression and this shows no sign of slowing down.
 Jamie Macpherson
"No one day is ever the same. Different properties, different people, different deals, and great colleagues - all of which makes it such an enjoyable office environment."
I am responsible for the running of the Melrose branch of Rettie & Co which means that we represent all facets of the Rettie and Co. business. We are an extension of the Edinburgh office and need to be well versed in all aspects of the business, much of my time is in Period Residential Sales, the most visible aspect of Rettie and Co., but we get involved in New Homes, Land & Development and Lettings too. I am also held accountable for the profitability of the office and therefore I am always working towards sales growth and managing the business effectively.
The past two years in Rettie & Co have been fabulous. I joined from a Sales & Marketing background in the Golf and the Leisure Industry and very quickly utilized the experience I had gained to the property market. Ultimately good communication and people skills are very important but aspects of marketing and selling are also very useful. After six months of working in the Period Sales Department in Edinburgh I was offered the opportunity to open up the Melrose office and I seized it with both hands. I have not looked back.
There are a really good group of people throughout Rettie and Co. always willing to help, and offer you the benefit of their experience in their relevant departments. I have been able to use my skills and experience from a different sector very effectively and I have had the opportunity to develop my management skills - all in two years and there are still plenty of challenges ahead.
 Becky Lindsay
Since I have joined Rettie & Co. I have been given so many opportunities to develop my skills and experience in Sales and Marketing. I joined having worked for IKEA for 7 years as a Sales Manager in the New Build Sales Division and quickly put my skills to good use. I have also felt very involved and not having experience in property has not held me back.
In the last six months my role has changed and now has more emphasis on Marketing and I support the Director of New Build Sales in many of the initiatives in the department to grow and develop the business. There are lots of reasons why I enjoy working in Rettie & Co. I feel very involved in decision making and managing change within the business. The size of the company means that there is a "family feeling" - we all know each other and there is a real sense of ownership.
Looking forward I am excited about the opportunity to develop my skills and competence in the Marketing role and using my knowledge of design that I gained during my Textiles Degree. I will also be developing my management skills whilst consolidating the New Build Sales Team structure. So lots of opportunity to grow and develop my professional competence and continue to enjoy working in such a thriving business.
 Lynda Combe
Working with Rettie & Co has opened up so many opportunities for me. I joined Rettie & Co. 3½ years ago, straight from university when my only work experience was obtained through temporary administrative roles. During my time with the Company to date my career has progressed from administrative to marketing roles, I now work for Period Sales and am actively involved in the marketing and sale of properties. I am also responsible for public relations within the department. My time with the Company has improved my organisational skills, my market and surveying knowledge as well as my time management. I have also had the opportunity to work towards my Diploma in Surveying.
The best thing about working for Rettie & Co is that it is never the same day twice! The staff are empowered, work as a team and have the full support of the management. I think that working for Rettie & Co. is best described as hard work in a fun environment.
During 2006 I am looking forward to completing my Diploma in Surveying. My other goals are to improve my understanding and knowledge of media relations and surveying practice.
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