Miller Homes North West Leads the Way with Online Reservation Feature 

Clare Noakes, sales director for Miller Homes, tells us about The Miller Difference and explains below how the customer journey is in Miller Homes’ DNA

Please tell us about the main areas of your responsibility at Miller Homes.

I am responsible for the overall sales of our North West developments – which stretch from South Cheshire to Lancashire. I support the region’s Development Sales Managers to ensure that we achieve the required number of sales by matching our customers with their dream new homes. As Sales Director, I also review and advise on land acquisitions, and work on marketing and PR as well as looking at the wider needs of the business with the management team.

What have been the main areas of change in the new build arena during your 20+ years of experience within the industry?

Two main changes spring to mind here. The first is the overwhelming impact that digitisation has had on the housebuilding industry. Technology has advanced so rapidly and online visibility and access has become so important, which led to Miller Homes’ Online Reservations feature – a first for the industry. This system means that homebuyers can reserve and pay a deposit on their chosen property on our website in few simple steps, at a time and place convenient for them.

The second is government support for home purchasers – initiatives such as Help to Buy have made dreams of home ownership a reality for many people at a time where it would have otherwise remained only an aspiration.

What are the most exciting schemes you are working on in 2019?

For me, all our developments are exciting! But if I had to pick one it would be our new urban regeneration scheme in Stretford, Greater Manchester. It is exciting to develop and produce a new strategy for a large-scale site which is both inspirational and well-considered, particularly on land which is being regenerated for a very different purpose.

Are these homes likely to appeal more to a particular type of buyer?

There are going to be a wide variety of house types on offer - but given the area, I believe that they will particularly appeal to first time Buyers, young professionals and families. Stretford is an extension of Manchester City, it has access to all the major motorway networks, is only minutes away from Manchester Airport and has its own Metrolink station.

How important is the customer journey to Miller Homes?

The customer journey is in our DNA, it’s what we do. Without a doubt, this is the most important element of our business ethos. Communication is key and we offer meetings at various stages, such as the pre-plaster meeting when customers can see their new home taking shape, and we’re also the first company to set up a dedicated area on our website, My Miller Homes, where customers can view the build stage of their new home.

Do you see any particular lifestyle trends becoming more popular within the Miller Homes' schemes?

Supporting the local community is a huge focus for us. We are very much a builder that works with local neighbourhoods to enhance the area. Not only do we offer high-quality homes and a vast range of employment opportunities in local areas, but we’re constantly looking for ways to get involved in the community by working with local companies and suppliers for events and providing support through sponsorships, donations and school visits.

Which areas in and around Manchester do you predict will be a good bet for investment buyers in 2019?  

Manchester is going through a really exciting time of regeneration and renewed interest for professionals and young families looking for a city to call home. Not only is it a very accessible city, but it really does have something for everyone – any areas which fall within 20 miles of the city centre are a good bet, particularly where land is being regenerated and used for housing.

Do you offer incentives to buyers purchasing a Miller Homes' property? 

We offer our own Miller schemes and incentives which can be tailored to each buyer’s specific needs to help people take their first step on to, or move up, the property ladder. Whether it’s part exchange, financial aid towards legal fees or free carpeting and white goods – it’s all about understanding our customers and helping them along their journey.

How is the property market performing in the areas you're working in?

It’s performing very well – but Greater Manchester is growing at a noticeable rate. As mentioned, it’s a city ideally located for travel to the rest of the country and abroad, and the market is increasing as demand amplifies for high quality homes in this vibrant area.

And finally, what makes a Miller Home special?

The Miller Difference is our company ethos which puts our customers and our desire to delight them at the very heart of everything we do.

The layout of the homes themselves are beautifully designed, and we pride ourselves on our quality and having a 5* customer satisfaction rating – each and every home really is stunning. The way we work with our customers, employees, supply chain businesses and communities we build in makes a Miller home special in itself – from insisting on the best workmanship and materials to recognising our environmental responsibilities.

We have a great team at Miller Homes and every one of us, irrespective of our role and responsibility within the business, has a part to play in the delivery of The Miller Difference.

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