In the world of luxury living, the role of an estate manager is crucial in maintaining the seamless operation of high-end properties. From sprawling estates to opulent mansions, estate managers play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, and upholding the elegance of the property.

What Does an Estate Manager Do?

They act as the primary point of contact for the property owner and are entrusted with ensuring that the property runs smoothly and efficiently.

Some of the key responsibilities of an estate manager include:

• Staff Management: Hiring, training, and supervising household staff such as housekeepers, gardeners, chefs, and security personnel.
• Property Maintenance: Overseeing maintenance and repairs of the property, including managing vendors and contractors.
• Budget Management: Developing and managing household budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial efficiency.
• Event Planning: Organizing and overseeing events hosted at the property, from intimate dinners to extravagant parties.
• Security and Safety: Implementing security measures to ensure the safety and privacy of the property and its occupants.

The Importance of an Estate Manager in Luxury Living

Attention to detail and impeccable service are paramount. An estate manager plays a crucial role in upholding these standards and ensuring that the property is maintained to the highest level of quality. They act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that every aspect of the property is meticulously cared for and that the needs of the property owner are always met with excellence.

Estate managers also play a vital role in creating a sense of harmony and tranquillity within the property. By managing the day-to-day operations

Skills and Qualities Required for Estate Managers

Strong Communication and Leadership Skills

Strong communication and leadership skills are vital in any workplace. Effective communication fosters collaboration and understanding among team members. A good leader can inspire and motivate their team to achieve common goals. This combination of skills creates a positive work environment and drives success in achieving organizational objectives.

Attention to Detail and Organization

Attention to detail and organization go hand in hand. When you pay close attention to the specifics, you are better equipped to maintain a well-organized system. By meticulously noting important details, you can create a structured and efficient workflow that ensures nothing falls through the cracks. This level of precision can lead to increased productivity and a smoother overall operation.

Financial Acumen

Financial acumen is essential for making informed decisions about money. It involves understanding financial statements, budgeting, and investing wisely. This knowledge can lead to financial stability and long-term wealth accumulation.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving abilities are crucial for success in various areas of life. By developing strong problem-solving skills, individuals can tackle challenges effectively and make informed decisions. These abilities not only enhance critical thinking but also promote creativity and innovation in finding solutions. honing problem-solving skills can improve one’s adaptability and resilience in the face of obstacles, leading to increased confidence and overall success in both personal and professional endeavours.

Challenges Faced by Estate Managers

Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

Balancing multiple responsibilities can be challenging. It’s important to prioritize tasks and delegate when possible. Setting boundaries and taking breaks can help prevent burnout. Communication with others about your workload can also lead to support and understanding. Remember to be flexible and adjust your schedule when needed to maintain a healthy balance.

Dealing with High-Profile Clients

When dealing with high-profile clients, it’s crucial to prioritize confidentiality. Building trust is key; respecting their privacy and handling their information with care will strengthen your professional relationship. Effective communication is also vital – be clear, prompt, and attentive to their needs. Understanding their expectations and delivering exceptional service will leave a lasting positive impression.

Managing Confidential Information-Working out how far to share the information. As in most setups, communication plays a large part but not everyone needs to know all business, as an Estate Manager you have to know when where and who to share the correct information with. 

Formal Education vs. On-the-Job Experience

Formal education provides a structured learning environment. It offers theoretical knowledge and foundational skills. On-the-job experience, on the other hand, provides practical insights and real-world application. Both avenues have value, balancing theory and practice for a well-rounded skill set.

We offer Leadership and Estate and House Management training both online and in person. Our in-person training has proved popular in recent years, helping staff to manage the expectations of principals. If you would like to find out more about our training or you would like to employ an estate manager then please do contact us, we are waiting for your call +(0)203 858 0233

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Congratulations on your recent promotion! Stepping into a leadership role can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a newly promoted leader, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right skills and techniques to lead with confidence and success. In this blog post, we will explore some top leadership training techniques that can help you navigate your new role with ease and confidence.

Understanding Your Leadership Style and Techniques

One of the first steps in becoming an effective leader is understanding your leadership style. Are you a visionary leader who inspires others with your big ideas, or are you more of a strategic leader who excels at planning and execution? By understanding your unique leadership style, you can better leverage your strengths and work on areas that may need improvement.

Effective Communication

Communication is key in any leadership role. As a leader, you will need to communicate your vision, goals, and expectations clearly to your team. Effective communication also involves active listening, providing feedback, and fostering open dialogue within your team. Consider enrolling in communication skills training to enhance your ability to convey your message effectively, this will also boost your confidence, especially if you have been recently promoted. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect of effective leadership and a top technique to develop. It involves being aware of your own emotions and those of others and using this awareness to manage your interactions and relationships effectively. Developing your emotional intelligence can help you navigate conflicts, inspire trust, and build strong relationships with your team members.

Motivation and Inspiration 

Motivation and inspiration are like fuel for our minds. They can drive us to achieve our goals and push through challenges. Finding sources of motivation, whether through personal achievements or the success stories of others, can help us stay focused and determined. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and setting small, achievable goals can keep us inspired on our journey towards success. If you are recently promoted you need to show motivation and inspiration to be a great leader and training can help bring this out naturally. Do not underestimate the importance of this technique. 

Decision-Making Skills

Leaders are often faced with making tough decisions under pressure. Developing strong decision-making skills is essential for success in a leadership role. Making tough decisions under pressure is a crucial skill for leaders. It requires quick thinking and the ability to weigh different factors efficiently. Developing strong decision-making skills and techniques is vital for effective leadership.

Mental Health

Mental health is crucial for work performance. As a leader, you must prioritize your team’s well-being. Being a good mentor involves offering support and guidance, fostering a positive work environment, and encouraging open communication. It is essential to be empathetic, understanding, and proactive in addressing mental health concerns within your team. By creating a safe space for your team members to discuss their mental health and providing resources for support, you can help them thrive both professionally and personally and gain confidence that they are supported. 

Importance of Self-Care: Taking time for yourself can significantly impact your mental health. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. As a leader some see this as least important but this technique is vital for the overall success. 

Seeking Support: It’s essential to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals when needed. Talking about your feelings and experiences can provide a sense of relief and help in navigating challenges.

Mindful Practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can promote a sense of calm and clarity, contributing to better mental health.

These small steps can make a big difference in maintaining a positive mindset and coping with life’s ups and downs. Sharing your techniques with staff members is a great way of engaging with them and offering support.

Conflict Resolution as a Leader

It’s human nature to have conflict occasionally, we each have our values, morals, habits and needs, so it’s not unusual to be misunderstood and fall into conflict. However, how you move forward from this is something that needs to be learned.  Without dealing with conflict over time we will find problems with teamwork, morale drops and work becomes less productive sometimes resulting in staff turnover. 

Conflict in a team can lead to new ideas and perspectives. It can push members to think outside the box and consider different viewpoints. However, managing conflict is crucial to prevent negative outcomes and ensure that it remains constructive.

By addressing conflicts openly and respectfully, teams can navigate disagreements effectively and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.  Training can improve new leadership skills can enhance and boost confidence to deal with conflict resolution in the best way possible. 

Resistance to Change

Leading a team can at times be a struggle and this could involve several factors. Resistance to change is a common reaction when people feel uncertain about the future. It can stem from fear of the unknown or a sense of comfort in familiarity. Overcoming this resistance often requires effective communication and a clear understanding of the benefits that the change can bring. Some staff may feel reluctant to consider change, it’s your job as a leader to encourage positive change for all. 

Leading with confidence is essential, but sometimes we all need a little help to get there, that is why we developed the new leadership course to equip you with the skills and techniques you need. A great book to get you started in the mindset is 7 Habits of Highly Effective People it is a wonderful book by Stephen Covey and is a must-read.

If you are recently promoted or considering a managerial role then learn the correct way from the beginning. To find out more about top leadership training techniques for the recently promoted! Contact us today for more information. We are excited to announce our new leadership training course.

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Personal Issues

Whilst they say never to bring home life to work this may not be possible. What goes on out of work can affect how they are at work. It could be something life changing for them, something that leads them to worry about the future of their job but they do not know how to approach their boss to discuss this? We are all humans and life happens, showing empathy can go a long way to staff.

Communication

In any work place if there is a lack of communication then this can be where most of the problems with staff lie. When good communication is effective then everyone feels content. Often we are faced with multi nationalities which is wonderful. Sometimes we are faced with language barriers and this can be where there is a communication breakdown or segregations. Try and bring the team together by working with lots of different staff if possible. It’s surprising how quick a new language can soon become second nature when using it on a daily basis.

Are you Approachable?

Do staff ask for help and you don’t answer? Is their day a guessing game like playing the lottery? Sometimes you have to look in the mirror. Consider how you are as a member of the team, try and make yourself someone who is always approachable. If you are the principal it may be that staff are unsure if they should approach you or not. However you want this to run you need to make this clear to all staff from the beginning. Consider the fact that some staff may have worked in previous households with a completely different set-up. We always advise that people should ‘never assume’.

The Need for Appraisals

Many households do not hold regular staff appraisal meetings. It really doesn’t matter how few staff you have, if there are employees then appraisal meetings really need to be held. Do this as often as you like, it may only be needed once a year. However, it allows for freedom of communication and for everyone to speak about their employment. Together a plan can be made to improve or change a situation. It’s a way of tracking progress.

Hierarchy

Is there a hierarchy in place? Maybe there is not enough staff for this? However staff must still respect who they work for. If they don’t, then consider why this is the case. Respect is a two way street. Without hierarchies teams are much less likely to unite to achieve a common goal. With a clear hierarchy then it lends itself to have maximum communication and for everyone to report through the correct channels.

Structure

It is always a good idea to have good structure in place with the staff. Job roles and overlaps can sometimes mean there is frustration, jealousy or confusion

Consider the following:
Do they know how to behave at work?
Do they have a daily list?
Is there a schedule?
Who oversees what they do each day?

Is the household formal? Or it could be the opposite and be too friendly with staff-no boundaries. Sometimes this can be as case where when staff they started their job it was just them and it was a more casual working environment. However, 3 house moves later and 15 more staff has led into the household being run like a mini business with several employees.

What Type of Person Works in Private Residences?

This industry is not for everyone and that’s ok. The job can be a demanding job and staff are expected to be flexible and adaptable constantly. Staff should be people pleasers and enjoy working as part of a team. They should be open to new ideas and suggestions of improvements. With a good ability to communicate well and feel comfortable and confident at work.

If you are facing current problems with staff, then Polo and Tweed can help. Did you know that our industry experts provide consultancy services? Get in touch today, our consultants are readily available to help you.

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How to Begin

Leaving yachting is a big decision. Luckily the extremely high standards of working on a superyacht acquired skills can transfer directly into a private household. Some crew may have already dipped their toe in this whilst onboard. The yacht owners sometimes like crew members to help in houses to train staff,  cover for absences or help with a large party. They understand they have an excellent ability to preempt and problem-solve. This counts for a lot and in turn, means the principals can step back and allow them to do their job and take care of all needs and requirements. For those who have not yet been given the opportunity to work ashore then all is not lost, many recruitment agencies realise what an asset an ex-yachtie is in private households. 

Attention to Detail

Only the best will do, yet this won’t be an issue. Yacht crew are taught and trained to look out for wonky lamp shades, fingerprints on glass and smears on mirrors. Experts in attending to guest preferences, they know how important is it to focus on detail. Understanding the need for privacy and respect yet be ready to jump into action at all times. 

Understanding Hierarchy

There is a definite need for hierarchy on a yacht and most of the time it’s from the captain all the way down to a junior crew member. This chain of command is essential to the smooth running of the vessel. Houses can run similarly. Some roles cross over a little more. Such as butlers often can act as house managers. Housekeepers may often need to help with service or light cooking. As a crew member, this will not phase you as you have already been doing this. Teamwork is something you do with your eyes closed, another reason why yacht crew transition into private households.

Ability to Adapt and Be Flexible

Change happens, but you already know this. Time and time again you have known the schedule of the yacht owners. However, after many years at sea, you have come to realize that change happens. The good thing is, that this does not phase you at all. You have learnt to be flexible and adapt to change, all the crew have. 

What you thought may have been a weekend off coming up has transcended into owners and guests filling the boat and having a party. However, in a few days, the boat will be left with an empty boat that needs a complete turnaround in next to no time. The crew will get this done and when time permits they may get to rest in the sun for a short while. 

How are Superyachts and Houses Different?

All houses or villas will have different materials and surfaces, yachts are generally new and shiny. Some country estates are ancient, dripping in history. Many with antiques that need expert care and handling. The yacht crew will no doubt have a black book of contacts they can call if they require more help. 

You may have direct contact with the owner who will be known as the principal. There may be a family office also, however, the likelihood is that as a crew member, you have already had many dealings with family offices and understand the structure. 

Some houses can be run more informally, with some households without uniforms. There can be shift patterns for working hours and days. There may only be 1 or 2 members of staff.

Animals

Country estates in England during the winter season host shoots. As a staff member, there is a large amount of preparation for this. Although each week it becomes like a well-oiled machine and everyone does their part to get ready for this. It’s more of a case of learning requirements and the etiquette behind it. 

Looking after pets, whilst some yachts do have dogs onboard, many do not. This can be a wonderful addition to the housekeeper’s daily tasks. A walk on the estate with the dog, and getting fresh can make a nice change to being stuck detailing cabins with a small porthole or clearing out a bilge.

Take the Plunge

Making the transition to land from sea can seem daunting. However many houses have staff houses and the properties are used at certain times of the year. Leaving staff to manage their time accordingly allowing for a better work-life balance than at sea. This can be a career for life in the right setting. Yacht crews skills will be welcomed by all, their hardworking ethic and constant strive for perfection can make them indispensable staff members.

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Estate Manager

Elevated to the pinnacle of domestic service positions, the role of an estate manager transcends traditional responsibilities to become a comprehensive steward of the household’s seamless functioning. Entrusted with the oversight of every aspect of the estate, an estate manager becomes the linchpin for ensuring that the intricate machinery of the household operates smoothly. From the supervision of domestic staff to the meticulous management of budgets and the orchestration of sophisticated events, the estate manager’s purview encompasses a diverse array of duties. Exceptional organizational skills are paramount as they navigate the complexities of running a household with precision and efficiency.

Furthermore, the interpersonal aspect of the role is equally crucial, as estate managers must foster positive relationships with both staff and the household’s residents. The demands of this multifaceted position, requiring a delicate balance between administrative prowess and people skills, contribute to its status as one of the highest-paying jobs in the domestic service industry. The estate manager emerges as a key figure in upholding the standards of luxury living, where their ability to seamlessly blend operational excellence with interpersonal finesse defines the essence of their invaluable role in upscale households

How to Get There:

To embark on a career as an estate manager, start by gaining relevant experience in domestic service or hospitality. Acquire skills in staff management, budgeting, and event planning. Networking within high-end domestic service circles and obtaining certifications in estate management or hospitality can significantly boost your credibility. Showcase your attention to detail, discretion, and problem-solving abilities to prospective employers to stand out in this competitive field.

Butler

The evolution of the butler’s role from its traditional roots has transformed it into a sophisticated and highly sought-after position within upscale households. Today, butlers stand at the top of seamless household operations, responsible for orchestrating the day-to-day intricacies with unparalleled finesse. Their duties extend far beyond the conventional. Butlers are entrusted with the oversight of other domestic staff, ensuring a harmonious and efficient working environment. Their meticulous attention to detail is evident in the management of inventories. Significantly ensuring that every element within the household is not only accounted for but also maintained to the highest standards of quality and presentation.

Impeccable service is at the core of a butler’s responsibilities. It not only requires a profound understanding of etiquette and formal service protocols but also the ability to anticipate and fulfil the unique needs and preferences of the principals. In essence, the modern butler is a multifaceted professional, seamlessly blending traditional charm with contemporary efficiency to uphold the essence of luxury living in upscale households.

How to Get There:

Start your journey to becoming a butler by gaining experience in hospitality or domestic service. Familiarize yourself with formal service protocols, household management, and the art of discreet communication. Training programs specific to butler services are available and can enhance your skill set. Networking within the affluent community and building a reputation for professionalism and attention to detail will open doors to high-paying butler positions.

Personal Chef

In households where culinary excellence is the focal point, personal chefs assume a pivotal role as culinary artisans. They are dedicated to crafting customized, gourmet meals tailored to the unique tastes and preferences of the principals. Beyond showcasing their culinary expertise, these chefs adeptly navigate a complex landscape of dietary preferences and restrictions. This demands a keen understanding of nutritional principles and also the ability to seamlessly modify recipes without compromising on flavour. The adaptability of personal chefs is crucial, as they cater to diverse diets such as vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and keto.

Trust and ongoing communication build the relationship between a personal chef and their principal. They must create an environment where they consistently exceed expectations by delivering gastronomic delights that elevate the overall dining experience. Personal chefs are the architects of unforgettable culinary journeys. They blend creativity with precision, creating meals that go beyond the ordinary and become a part of a luxurious lifestyle.

How to Get There:

Embark on your culinary journey by enrolling in a reputable culinary school, ensuring a solid foundation. Gain valuable hands-on experience in high-end restaurants or catering establishments to hone your skills. Specialize in a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes and broaden your culinary repertoire. Differentiate yourself by building a personal brand as a personal chef, showcasing a portfolio that highlights your unique culinary creations. To further set yourself apart, actively network within the upscale community, encouraging connections with potential clients. Additionally, consider joining professional associations to expand your network and also open up new opportunities for securing high-paying positions.

Have these top 3 highest paying jobs inspired you to seek a career in the domestic industry? Get ready to embark on a rewarding career in the world of luxury domestic service. Your dream job may be closer than you think and Polo & Tweed are here to help you achieve it. Get in touch with us today or visit our vacancies page for the latest roles.

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Any new member of staff, whether experienced or not, would benefit from professional training. We know that as a housekeeper in a private household, roles and responsibilities will differ from house to house. Sometimes housekeepers are working alongside a team. Very often the team members can shadow new staff to ensure they learn the ropes. However, we also know that with principals in residence, the lack of time does not always allow for this.

As a solo housekeeper in a new role this can be a daunting start. Not knowing where to begin. Training can offer guidance and support as well as learning new techniques. This can build confidence and ensure a positive start in a new role. As the Principal, time does not always allow to show the new housekeeper what is expected. Training can offer a professional approach with the guidance in correct techniques. 

Inheriting Bad Habits

Staff in private houses and estates may not have received training. Of course they know how to do their job. However, after a while bad habits can start to form. New staff members can join and instantly inherit bad habits. Misunderstanding the correct way to complete a task merely because they have never been trained. Many households are guilty of carrying on with how something runs just because they always have. Not questioning why or looking at making positive changes can be seen as narrow minded and non progressive. 

How to Prepare 

Make a note of everything that you liked about your previous Housekeeper and anything you did not like. This allows you to see if the pros and cons are skill based or perhaps mindset based.Was there a handover? A newly trained housekeeper can ensure that systems are put in place immediately. This allows for consistency and a smooth transition if the housekeeper is away and there is a temporary replacement. It saves principals time having to explain requirements time and time again. 

Longevity and Retention 

All staff like to feel appreciated and even more so when they are working in a personal setting. Most people that work in domestic service do so because they enjoy pleasing people. Give them the best start. Personality and flexibility are key attributes and a great base to build from with training. It shows staff members are appreciated and given the best start possible. Investing in their future benefits everyone. Many staff who embark on work related courses often sign an agreement.This states that they will remain working at the property for at least one year after the training commences. This gives security for homeowners. 

What will they Gain 

Most staff feel motivated by training and tend to be more successful in employment. They will gain new skills and methods. This will ensure they work in an efficient way. It provides them with  an opportunity to enjoy their work and take pride in what they do. Tailoring training to requirements for each house and how it is maintained. 

They have been a Housekeeper for many years already, so why does your new Housekeeper need Professional Training?

Training from the beginning sets clear guidelines and expectations  to maintain high standards. Structure in a workplace is important and allows for efficiency.. There are many ways to perform your duties. Systems are in place because they work well, or maybe they don’t. It prevents problems from happening.  Staying up to date with new ways and methods to be implemented in housekeeping.  We train staff to know how to wash cashmere. Preventing the cashmere jumper being placed in the washing machine at 40 degrees!! We can guide housekeepers through bespoke training, help create systems and checklists to enable settling  in quickly. 

Your New Housekeeper Needs Professional Training and Polo and Tweed are here to help. We run bespoke Housekeeping training courses in situ, open to all backgrounds, skills and abilities. We also offer E-Online Housekeeper training. Why not get in touch here to find out more. If you’d like to chat with us, please do get in touch by giving us a call on +44(0)203 858 0233.

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The Role of A Butler

Let’s clarify what a Butler’s duties are, there are of course many but these are the most common of them. Setting the table and serving all meals, drawing a bath, making various appointments and arrangements for the Principals, packing and unpacking, pressing clothes, polishing shoes, arranging flowers, polishing silver, party planning, purchasing, meeting and greeting guests, maintaining the wine cellar, providing beverage service. The role is trusted by principals and discretion is key. Butlers are trained to pre-empt and always be one step ahead,  anything from getting out the umbrellas ahead of walking to dinner with them knowing that it’s going to rain, or automatically placing the green tea next to the desk before its asked for each day.

The Role of A Housekeeper

The role of a housekeeper is often one that people cross reference with a cleaner. However the personal nature of this role allows you to serve the Owner of the home knowing all their needs. A cleaner would come in and pick up items, clean the area and set items down again. A Housekeeper would return any items to their correct place. Housekeepers just know when trousers are left on the back of the bedroom chair it means send them off to dry cleaning.

Housekeepers clean with immaculate care and detail with a knowledge of the correct cleaning products to use on delicate surfaces. At night they know that you like 2 bottles of water next to the bed. The correct setting for the bedroom thermostat. The laundry is completed, as well as the wardrobe organized beautifully.  The house never runs out of toilet paper. The magic fairy that empties the hair out of your hairbrush is indeed the Housekeeper.

Both roles preempt the principals every move. The newspapers arrive on Sundays, the specific tea  to drink is always in the cupboard, the luggage is brought to the bedroom for packing ahead of being asked. The inventories are maintained and every time a drawer is opened or cupboard it’s organized and neat.

Do You Need A Butler or a Housekeeper?

It comes down really to what’s important to you? Do you entertain lots with formal gatherings?
Do you want some at your beck and call? Is cleanliness, laundry and your wardrobe more of a concern to you?
Housekeepers are often the most common role for many houses. It’s a step up from a cleaner but the extra money you have to pay usually outweighs this decision.
Whereas Butlers are more suitable for large properties with homeowners with a busy lifestyle.
Employed to oversee the other staff instead of or as well as the House or Estate Manager. Extremely skilled in all areas of their duties. Ask them to purchase wine or maintain the wine cellar and this will not fill them with horror, they know that the ideal humidity will be between 60-70% and the best places to go for good wine will be somewhere they have used for many years with a trustworthy reputation. What you pay for is experience, yes it may cost you more but this may be worth it depending on your needs.

Is it ok to Combine the roles?

Well, do you really want someone one minute cleaning the toilets then the next serving guests their dinner? Both roles perform different duties and whilst staff are be flexible and help in all areas where needed, clearly defined roles allows for staff to understand expectations. In many houses it can be common practice for the housekeepers on occasion to take out plates to the table to help. For Butlers they may help turn around bedrooms and bathrooms at the last minute but in a large household this isn’t realistic or indeed professional.

You could of course have a full time Housekeeper and then hire a butler temporarily when you have events. We at Polo and Tweed can help with that.
Equally you can have both and have both and ensure that everyone understands each other’s role. Very often Polo and Tweed go into houses and train Housekeepers in Silver Service, in case the need arrises for them to use these skills. We also train Butlers to perform Housekeepers’ jobs with ease should they have to step in due to unforeseen circumstances.

Have you considered how versatile a full-time butler or housekeeper is? Polo and Tweed are here to help if you would like to hire a butler or housekeeper. When finding the right individual you should take your time and consider all your options. If you are looking for your new dream job, Polo and Tweed offer E-Online Butler training or E-Online Housekeeper training . This can help boost your CV and make you stand out to employers. If you’d like to chat with us, please do get in touch by giving us a call on +44(0)203 858 0233.

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A Good Start To The Day

6:00am

I wake up and start my day by checking my emails and reviewing my schedule for the day. I prioritise any urgent requests or issues that require immediate attention and plan out my day accordingly.

7:00am

Time to head to the estate office, which is located within the grounds of the estate. Then I meet with other staff members to discuss the tasks for the day and go over any updates or issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, making sure to check in with the head gardener and other grounds staff to ensure that the gardens and grounds are well-maintained and that everything is in order.

8:00am

I spend some time reviewing financial reports and budgets, looking for ways to optimize costs and improve efficiency. I may also work on projects such as planning events, coordinating with contractors for repairs or renovations, or researching new equipment or technology that could benefit the estate.

9:00am

I might have a meeting with the owners or clients of the estate to discuss any concerns or issues they may have. I provide updates on the estate’s operations and ensure that their needs and expectations are being met.

10:00am

In the morning, I take a walk around the estate to inspect the buildings, grounds, and livestock. I make sure that everything is running smoothly and address any issues that I come across. I also meet with tenants or residents of the estate, answering any questions they may have and addressing any concerns they may raise.

An Estate Manager’s Afternoon

12:00pm

This is the time I take a break for lunch. Occasionally, I will eat at a local pub or restaurant, or I’ll pack a lunch and enjoy it on the estate.

1:00pm

In the afternoon, I work on administrative tasks such as responding to emails or making phone calls. Also, attending any maintenance or repair issues that need to be addressed. Doing this work either by myself if I

am able to, or by coordinating with contractors or service providers.

3:00pm

Meeting with contractors or service providers such as electricians, plumbers, or landscapers to discuss ongoing projects or arrange for new work to be done. Ensuring that they have the resources they need and that their work meets the high standards set by the estate.

5:00pm

Wrapping up my day by reviewing the progress of the day’s tasks and preparing for the next day. Attending any urgent issues that have come up during the day and ensuring that everything is in order before I leave.

6:00pm

After a productive day it is time to head home! Often I choose to take a scenic drive through the Cotswold countryside and enjoy the beautiful views. In the evening, I relax and pursue my personal hobbies, knowing that there will be another busy day ahead of me tomorrow.

How Can We Help?

Feeling inspired after reading Oliver’s day in the life as an Estate Manager? Here at Polo & Tweed we source the top candidates and clients and help them with their searches! Whether you are an employer looking for an Estate Manager, or if you are looking for work as an Estate Manager we can help! Reach out to our team and our fantastic recruitment consultants will be in touch!

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And don’t be put off by the idea that Housekeeping training would take months, or will be completely unaffordable. There are training courses that will only last a weekend or a couple of days, so you could plan them over your days off so you would miss any time off work!

Good housekeeping training will be suitable for you to go work in all types of private households, from family homes to large estates and palaces. It will also give you excellent knowledge if you want to work in the hotel industry.

So what should you look for in housekeeping training?

What to look for in Housekeeping training

When looking for a training provider, be critical and ask them lots of questions. They should be able to tell you about the modules they will be teaching you, the venues, and the trainers they have. Also ask how many people would be in a group. It makes quite the difference if you are in a small group with lots of attention from the trainer, or in a large conference hall where you would not even have the chance to speak to the trainer once.

You can talk for hours, and days about the techniques of removing stains, how to organise a specific room or how to pack and unpack a suitcase. But up until you have actually done it, you will have no idea what it actually is like! A good housekeeping course will have a lot of practical elements. You should be expected to get stuck in and learn as you do. When you will have to do this for your new job, you can confidently say you have done it before and you use tried and tested methods.

Who should do Housekeeping training?

Looking to become a Housekeeper

It does not matter what career or background you come from. You will have decided you want to become a housekeeper, or at least discover if you would like and enjoy it. Doing a housekeeping training course is perfect. Not only will it take you through absolutely all aspects of housekeeping, but you will also learn all the invaluable skills to become a good housekeeper. Doing a course will also give you a very good idea of what it would be like to do this job.

Would you enjoy it? Do you think you can do it? Being a housekeeper can be a physically demanding role and sometimes you do not realise it until you actually do it. So having a couple of days of training will definitely tell you. Finally, as you start applying for housekeeping jobs it would look great on your CV that you have done a training course. It gives your future employer confidence that you have a certain level of skill set. Also shows you are passionate about this career and willing to invest in it.

Already working as a Housekeeper

You might have been working as a housekeeper for a long time, and are looking to update your skills. Sometimes, especially when working for one household or the same family, you get into a certain routine. If you start working for someone else, or the family change house, get new furniture, etc, they might require new or different things. Perhaps they have materials or equipment you are unfamiliar with. Doing a training course will keep you up to date on your skills and could give you a newfound motivation and passion for the role!

Another option, by doing the training, is that your job has the potential to move up to a Head Housekeeping role. After a course, you might feel much more confident to teach new or other staff members in the household and this could become part of your job! Finally, if you are looking to find a new role that might have more responsibilities or might be higher up, a training course again shows commitment and skillset.

Not a housekeeper? – Still do the training!

Even non-housekeepers can find enormous value in doing a housekeeping course. Anyone who works in hotels or private households or resorts of any kind will benefit significantly from understanding all the different facets of housekeeping, and how everything needs to be done. There is so much more to it than just cleaning a space! You could be a butler, a nanny, a house manager or a PA. Working with, alongside or managing housekeepers. It is vital to know what the standards should be, and how things should be executed. You can guide and show the people who are working in the housekeeping department. And there might also be the odd occasion when a housekeeper is ill, and you will have to step in. If you have done your training, there will be no surprises for you. You will be able to step in and keep everything running smoothly.

At Polo & Tweed we run regular Housekeeping training courses, as well as training in situ, open to all backgrounds, skills and abilities. Why not get in touch here to find out more and get yourself booked in?

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Teamwork

Teamwork is essential in most jobs. Accordingly, many jobs involve working with other people. A person who wants to lead a team should know how to communicate effectively and manage people. He needs to understand the skills and capabilities of his team members so that he can help them grow and succeed. Being a team leader is a challenging role, but it can be rewarding if a leader knows how to handle his team appropriately.

Respect

A leader needs to know how to command respect from his peers. He must have the authority and experience necessary to make tough decisions and ensure that everyone follows the same set of rules and standards. A leader also has to be strict when necessary, as non-compliance from teammates will sometimes occur. In general, team leaders need to be both firm and fair when leading their teams.

Authority

Being a team leader comes with a lot of responsibilities and limitations. Team leaders have limited authority when it comes to making decisions; instead, they should direct other members of their team to take action. Furthermore, team leaders cannot always micro-manage every aspect of their work; instead, they should delegate tasks to their team members and let them handle the work themselves. Team leaders have a lot of power but they must use it wisely to effectively manage teams.

Communication

Failure to communicate with teammates effectively can lead to major problems as a team leader. A team leader must be able to identify issues with his team members so that he can help them overcome any problems they have. He should also be able to help his team members develop in any useful ways he can. This means that a good team leader has a solid knowledge of both his teammates’ skills and strengths as well as the skills needed for his project or job goals. A good team leader will know what each member of his team is capable of and will use this information to help his team members develop and succeed in both personal and work life.

How can Polo & Tweed help?

Are you considering becoming a team leader? Hone your skills with our House Management course. Get in touch today and one of our lovely consultants will be happy to help you get the training you need.

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