Latest news with #White&Co
Scotsman
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Global expertise to accelerate historic property firm's growth
Fast-rising entrepreneur to bolster Simpson & Marwick's expansion strategy Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A dynamic new addition to a renowned Scottish solicitor estate agency's leadership team is bringing with him a record of explosive success from one of the world's most competitive real estate markets. Calum White, the Edinburgh-born founder of Dubai-based agency White & Co has joined Simpson & Marwick as Director of Growth & Innovation. Since launching his own business in 2021, Calum has grown it to a team of 420 with a projected turnover exceeding £60 million – a remarkable milestone for a company not yet five years old. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In that short time, White & Co has earned major industry recognition, including the Dubai People's Choice – Enterprise Brokerage award from Bayut (the UAE's largest real estate portal), which is given to brokerages with over 200 agents, as well as being named as the number one Data-Driven Brokerage in Dubai by Property Monitor. L-R Gary Wales, Calum White, Rob Aberdein and Sean Nicol Calum's appointment follows Simpson & Marwick's recent return to legal services – an important milestone that re-established its solicitor credentials and enabled a rejoining of the ESPC. This combined legal and property offering positions the firm for long-term, integrated growth. The 32-year-old will serve as a strategic advisor, channelling his experience from one of the fastest-scaling estate agencies in the Middle East into the ongoing development of Simpson & Marwick's property services across Scotland. He will also lead training sessions with the firm's property team, focusing on instilling a culture of high performance, accountability and client-first delivery – key values that are central to the firm's next phase of growth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Calum said: 'My ambition is to help create a new breed of estate agent in Scotland – one that ditches the autopilot mentality and puts customer delivery above all else. Calum White, Director of Growth & Innovation 'I've seen how dynamic and fast-moving the Dubai market can be. That pace, that hunger, that focus on results – it's exactly what the UK sector is missing. What excites me is that Simpson & Marwick isn't afraid to rip up the rule book. There's a genuine appetite here to do things better.' While White & Co operates in a vastly different market, Calum believes the same guiding principles apply – no matter the postcode. He added: 'Whether you're selling a high-rise apartment in Dubai or a family home in Gullane, the client still wants the same thing: someone who'll work their socks off to get the best outcome. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Too many agents treat listings like a box-ticking exercise. They get it online, make a few calls, then hope for the best. That's not good enough. We need to bring back pride, ownership and urgency.' Simpson & Marwick's property division already has a strong track record of success – and Gary Wales, Simpson & Marwick's Director of Property Services, believes that the team can continue to dial up performance and shift expectations. He said: 'The Scottish estate agency model has stood still for too long. Sellers are told to accept slow progress and vague promises. We're not prepared to offer that. We want a service that is sharper, faster and delivers outcomes that clients can measure.' The appointment of White will see him visit the UK regularly throughout the year, delivering training, supporting key hires and helping to develop Simpson & Marwick's next generation of agents, with a view to fostering the similar growth mindset of his Dubai business. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Calum grew up in The Inch, Edinburgh and credits his early experience at another Scottish legal and property business, with shaping his passion for estate agency. It was there that he worked with his friend and mentor Sean Nicol, who now leads the Group's property services division, alongside Wales. Speaking of Calum's success in Dubai, Sean said: 'What Calum has achieved in a matter of years is exceptional. His focus on results, team performance and personal accountability is exactly what the UK property sector needs. 'Most importantly, he shares our view that estate agency should be a people-first business. We want every client to feel like they have someone in their corner, fighting for the best deal and giving regular, honest updates every step of the way.' Calum's appointment comes at an exciting point in time for the business as it expands its presence, including the recent opening of its new Union Street office in Aberdeen and appointment of Nikki Hempseed, one of the region's most respected estate agents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The National
09-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Not the first, but certainly the best: How Bayut redefined the UAE real estate market
In a highly competitive market where being first often holds an advantage, Bayut has proven that success is not about who starts a race – it is about who takes the definitive lead. Although it was not the first property portal to launch in the UAE, Bayut has cemented its reputation as the most trusted, innovative, and customer-focused real estate platform, setting new benchmarks and transforming the property search experience. From humble beginnings, Bayut has transformed itself into a powerhouse of real estate intelligence, driven by cutting-edge technology, market transparency, and strategic partnerships. By prioritising authenticity, ease of use and the integration of AI-driven solutions, Bayut has empowered property seekers with the confidence to make informed decisions in a fast-moving market. Bayut's impact is best reflected in the experiences of its users. 'My husband and I bought our house through Bayut,' said customer Farah 'What I loved most about the portal was the variety of options, the speed at which I could navigate between properties, and the ability to easily identify trusted agents under the TruBroker tag. "I also received a quick response to my request, which helped me choose my property faster. I've been living in Dubai for the past five years, and I don't think I've had a better experience on any other platform.' A key factor in Bayut's ascent to the top has been its commitment to enhancing user experience. Through in-depth market insights and smart tools like TruEstimate, TruBroker and BayutGPT, Bayut has revolutionised the way buyers, renters and investors navigate the UAE's dynamic property landscape, creating an experience that can rival global PropTech giants. Bayut's user-friendly experience is reflected in its high ratings across apps and other platforms. However, its reputation as the most tech-driven real estate portal extends beyond consumers - agents and marketers also recognise its cutting-edge innovations. One standout, exclusive feature is TruPoints, a unique rewards system that allows top-performing agents to climb the TruBroker leaderboard. This exclusive ranking highlights the best in the industry, giving them increased visibility and positioning them as the go-to choice for sellers and landlords seeking trusted professionals. Another B2B feature created to empower real estate agents is ProConnect, a powerful networking and lead-generation tool designed to help agents expand their reach and grow their business. This much-needed solution enables seamless interaction between agents, potential clients and industry professionals, fostering stronger connections and driving more meaningful engagements. By streamlining communication and enhancing visibility, ProConnect empowers agents to maximise their opportunities and stay ahead in a competitive real estate landscape. Rey Sadhwaniv, property consultant at White & Co, said: 'Since attaining TruBroker status, my experience has been completely transformed. Not only has it helped me build trust with sellers through authentic listings, but it has also significantly increased my exposure and lead generation. "I recently secured a challenging deal by finding a cash buyer for a seller with specific requirements, through the power of TruBroker. This tool has enhanced my credibility in the market, and I now receive direct seller leads on a regular basis. With features such as TruCheck, ranking systems, and additional marketing tools, Bayut continues to offer invaluable support to agents like me. I'm excited to see how much further we can grow together!' Conor McGuckin, client manager at Unique Properties, said: 'ProConnect helps us connect with agents in the same areas, making finding buyers and building lasting relationships easier. Posting buyer requirements on ProConnect leads to quick matches, speeding up property sales and making the process more efficient.' Further cementing its leadership, Bayut has forged strong collaborations with government entities, including the Dubai Land Department and the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. These partnerships have solidified Bayut's role as a trusted PropTech powerhouse, influencing industry trends and shaping the future of real estate in the region. Commenting on the platform's success, Haider Khan, chief executive of Bayut and chief executive of Dubizzle Group Mena, said: "At Bayut, our mission has always been to create a seamless and transparent property search experience for everyone in the UAE. We've invested in technology, data and strong industry partnerships to ensure that users have access to the most accurate and reliable information. "Our commitment to innovation and user trust has set us apart, and we take immense pride in the impact we've made in shaping the real estate landscape in the UAE. While we weren't the first, we have worked tirelessly to become the best, and we will continue to push the boundaries to deliver excellence in everything we do." Despite entering an already competitive market, Bayut's unwavering focus on excellence, trust and customer satisfaction has set it apart. It is not just a property portal - it is an industry leader that has reshaped real estate in the UAE with its innovative approach. As Bayut continues to innovate and lead the way forward, its journey stands as a testament that being the first is not what matters: being the best does.
