Executive Lettings, based at The Byres in Haddenham, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Originally the brainchild of Richard Clarke, who developed the cottages from an old industrial site in Haddenham in the early 80s, the business has seen out at least two major recessions and is now run by his daughter Jessica.
Providing high quality serviced accommodation for local businesses, The Byres offer character and comfort – a very welcome alternative to long stays in hotels. Businesses benefiting from the service include local firm McCormicks, a regular and long standing client, as well as DAF Trucks in Thame, ComDev in Aylesbury, Centrica in Oxford, Energizer in High Wycombe, Brighthouse in Watford and many, many consultants on contract at nearby firms.
As well as providing temporary accommodation for relocating executives, The Byres has also helped out many local residents caught up in the turmoil of the housing market, and needing somewhere short term to stay – although short term can become longer, with one couple who needed accommodation for just a couple of months still there nearly two years later!
Anne Edlin, the head housekeeper, has been with the company since the beginning and is at the centre of the friendly team who really make the cottages feel like home from home. Pam Thornhill has been working alongside Anne for 4 years, and David Aston maintains the buildings, responding to emergencies when needed, as well as renovating other properties owned by the firm. Keeping it in the family, Bruce Clarke, who lives in one of The Byres, ensures the yard always looks beautiful.
Jessica and her mother Sarah invited members of staff past and present out to lunch to celebrate. Previous managers Claire Taylor and Helen Bavinton as well as ex-housekeeper Cis Binnee enjoyed a lunch alongside current employees at The Thatch in Thame. Sadly Richard passed away earlier this year, but he would have been so pleased to see all the faces that have made this specialised local business such a continued success.
Jessica plans to open the doors at The Byres next week (w/c 23rd September) so that people can come and see for themselves – please call her on 01844 291351 for details; or visit the website.
