10
Feb
BHEAA Annual Dinner and Award to Bonett's
Brighton's Grand Hotel was the venue for the annual estate
agents ball last week when agents from across Brighton and Hove met
to welcome their new president David Aspey, a partner with Sussex
Surveyors.
David moved to Sussex 16 years ago after being made redundant and
was immediately struck by the friendship and cooperation of the
local estate agents and the business community. He says Hove is the
best place he has ever worked.
He said: “It was a difficult time for me but I was made to
feel welcome from the start. Over the years many of those agents I
have worked with have become good friends.
“The next 12 months are going to be challenging for estate
agents and associated businesses, and most have already made
changes that should see them through these difficult times.
“I was particularly pleased that one of my first duties as
president was to present the Brighton And Hove Estate Agents High
Standards Award to Paul Bonett who is an example to us all.
“Not only is he keen on the development, welfare and training
of his staff, he is chair of the Business Community Partnership and
of the Education Business Partnership. “His dedication to the
environment is well known in the city and he is the only estate
agent I know who goes to business appointments on a bike. His
enthusiasm is infectious and he is a deserved recipient of the
award.”
One of Paul's roles as chair of the Education Business Partnership
is to prepare young people for employment and last week he was at
Patcham High for the school's version of Dragon's Den, Tiger's
Lair.
He said: “It is a fun and informative way of giving young
people the experience of the world of business and it is a job that
gives me great satisfaction.
“I always try to look at things differently and I believe
that when times are hard, like they are now, you should not turn
inward but look outward and ask yourself 'what can I do for my
city', because it is by working together that we are going to find
success and come out in better shape.”
Paul is also known for his charity work, sponsorship for Brighton
Festival, support for the association's code of conduct and he has
recently launched a Facebook group called Cyclists With Manners, to
encourage careful cycling around Brighton & Hove.
Picture shows Dee Bonett, Ben Hooper, Andrew Kay from the Latest
Homes and Dave Beaken.