Introduction to Management

Vermeer

Case Study ‘Vermeer’: Information Text

Vermeer is a national estate agency, known for marketing high-value houses throughout the UK. It was created in 1950 by Cees (pronounced “case”) Vermeer, a Dutch surveyor who moved to England in 1946. He opened his first office in Exeter, and was considered ahead of his time in prioritising fairness and ethics over profit. Estate agents were poorly regarded, even in the 1950’s, but unfair practices had no place in Vermeer. Cees loved to focus on older, more characterful houses, but as the agency grew, it inevitably began to deal with rented and commercial property. By the time Cees retired in 1987, he had built a prosperous business which was well-known for fairness, market knowledge and professionalism, and for caring equally about staff and clients, both buyers and sellers. The tasteful Vermeer logo was regarded everywhere as a mark of quality and service. Cees remained on the Board – acting as an “elder statesman” and sharing his advice, experience and fine principles – until his death in 2000. After Cees From 1987 onwards, Vermeer expanded rapidly. The company now has 64 offices with 3,000 staff, and ranks among the top five UK agencies. A handful of smaller agencies have merged with Vermeer, and activities now include financial services, property development and consultancy. Vermeer is widely seen as the ‘best’ estate agent for which to work. Cees Vermeer’s values – combining integrity, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit, with genuine care for staff – remain to this day a cornerstone of the public image of Vermeer. Vermeer’s website says that “We have adopted a broad and flexible approach, developing a network that enables our people to link clients to the highest quality market intelligence, contacts and advice. Our management structure ensures efficient decision-making