When was the business fist established and why?

[Inez] I established the management and rental business realizing there would be a need for this service as so many properties were being built for rental purpose. Also owners living a distance from their properties would need someone to manage and care for their property here in Spain. Direct Auctions followed as I realized there was to be a huge surplus of properties on the market due to over supply. As I was involved throughout the 80s and 90s in various aspects of the UK property market I could see the same pattern happening here and knowing that this was when property auctions took off, this was a good time to establish the business. I approached my business partner Barry McEntee for his input and we launched in early 2004.

Describe your business in three words?

[Inez] Spanish Property Auctions

What makes your business different?

[Inez] We are not the same as real estate agents. We charge a much lower commission rate and actually value properties for sale as opposed to asking the owner what he wants for it and then adding our commission to that price. Another point where we differ is we do actually inspect the property documents to see if there are any problems. These properties are not offered for sale. We promote each property individually and certainly do not accompany buying clients everywhere to ensure a sale. We are honest, if we think its not right, we will tell you and are very transparent and open in our dealings. A buyer bids for the property and nearly always buys a property at a much lower price than on the real estate market

Tell us your greatest business accomplishment?

[Inez] Achievement in Young Business Person of the year 1989. I absolutely hated the business plan I had to do, but it was worthwhile for the publicity I got at the time.

What is the worst business mistake you ever made that you learned from?

[Inez] Taking people at face value. I had a previous business partner and when everything was going her way was fine, but when the pressure came on, reality hit and we had to part company

Why would you recommend the Costa Del Sol for business and for lifestyle?

[Inez] Look out of the window! Whenever I get fed up of the hassle, I look at the blue sea and sky and know I can go there at any time. Its much harder work but also much more rewarding. I find a true camaraderie amongst the majority of people living and working here, a common goal to succeed. Also my children are very happy here and very at home with the Spanish way of life. It is more relaxing and easygoing. The Spanish are a very happy race of people.

What changes do you see occurring in the future for southern Spain?

[Inez] I see the government taking a firmer hold and the old ways in southern Spain catching up with the rest of Europe.

If you could change one thing about Spain, what would it be?

[Inez] The prices. The recent entry into the EC and the Euro has made Spain much more expensive, and as southern Spain is built on tourism, this has hit hard. To regenerate the area if the prices were lower, this would encourage many more people coming here to live and holiday

Name one other business you would recommend on the Costa Del Sol and why?

[Inez] Euro Weekly News. They came to see us at a time we were going through a difficult patch. They made us an advertising deal we could not refuse even though we had to pay up front. They kept to it and it turned our business around. They had total dedication in their work which reflected in our sales.