Keys to Success: How Algarve Businesses Remain Upbeat in Economic Troubled Times

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The economy has created a sensation of doom and gloom over much of the world, but one place maintains a positive outlook and indications are this is a key element in future success. Algarve, Portugal bucks the trend, with businesses contending that 2011 gives them much reason to be positive for 2012. Quoting such figures as Charles Darwin, who is known to state survival depends no on strength or intelligence but the speed of which adaption to change occurs, many business owners in the area echo the commitment to hard work, customer service, and adaptability to new economic realities.

While the discussion rages between various parties about the overall level of success being enjoyed across the board by Algarve businesses, particularly where numbers and sums are leveled against previous years, the yardstick by which individual businesses are measuring their personal success has changed somewhat. It is no longer enough simply to make the most money. Indeed long term success means caring for your clients and going the extra mile to make sure they remember and return to repeatedly for additional business. This might give the impression of major economic downturn that rivals other global depressions or recessions or ever the sense of there being little point to keep on. But these changed situations can create happier, healthier work environments that ultimately lend themselves to better customer/business relations and a stronger platform from which to grow.

The trend is not limited to a single industry, either. A number different businesses across the spectrum were interviewed, most notably in tourism, property maintenance, home improvement, building services, design consultant, and other local service related businesses. Each of these have success stories in Algarve that other businesses across the nation and the globe can learn from. What exactly can be taken from such stories? There is the clear push for better customer service, a change in attitude that translates to greater synergy between business staff and the clients they serve. Being adaptable and forward thinking means staying aware of change as it is happening and adjusting to it in order to visualize the needs of the clients before the clients realize it for themselves.

One need only to look at business in Algarve, both old and new, to see the impact of this new paradigm. A new company, GMT 24:7, has been in operation in the area for but two years. While the company is from Lagos, and has longer experience in the field of vacation property management, its movement into Algarve is fairly recent. The company director of GMT 24:7, Mr. Brett Hawkins, stated that the company outlook is that the established tourism industry in Algarve is healthy and will continue to drive their business as a property management firm. They do not see signs of decline in demand for their services either as managers or as property improvement specialists. Furthermore, he says the company's ethos of following three key elements, client service, efficiency, and reliable quality tends to provide their customers with a superior value for their money. This is why even in troubled economic times GMT 24:7 is thriving in Algarve.

His words are echoed many times. By not sitting and waiting for things to improve, but instead grasping opportunity by the horns and not letting go, challenging the existing perceptions, and staying positive and upbeat about the future are key elements they have embraced in their success. Staying aware of the challenges, mostly related to there being other places for the traveler to spend their hard earned vacation dollars, and seeking to provide a superior experience for both tourists and their property-owner client base has been key to their progress in the region.

Another business owner, Daniel Cartwright of Project Casa (located in Almancil) echos this. He says his construction firm has witnessed positive differences in 2011 over previous years. Remaining positive and responsive to his customer's needs, listening to their desires and working with them to ensure they get what the set as the goal as efficiently as possible is as simple as being willing to put in plenty of hard work. He says while there is a decline in money being made, the simple fact the success is not measured on earnings alone but rather customer happiness makes all the difference.

Sales manager Nuno Pinto Silva of Mestre Reposa continues on this theme. Mr. Silva notes that the last 11 years has seen a gradual change in the types of customers they serve. With three major groups, those with investment properties from out of the region, those needing to upgrade older buildings, and those with security concerns. He says staying positive and listening to the needs of the customer has prompted changes in the stock his business carries, but that change is a good thing.

Fred Phillips of Atelier do Sul Designs admits that they saw a decline in business. He counters this by pointing out that 20, 25, and 30 year anniversaries with their clients have inspired them to step up to the plate and meet the challenges with a smile in the year to come.


For further information on this story or if you have an interest in Algarve property contact the Portugal Property team via email at: info@portugalproperty.com or call free on +44 (0)800 0148201

Published in: Business