Get to know the newest On Point Data team member, Christopher Dear. Read on to unpack his career, values and what he thinks modern Conveyancers deserve.
Chris began his professional career in London as a junior clerk in Barrister’s Chambers. Over the course of twelve years, Chris diligently worked his way up to the position of senior clerk, whereby he was effectively responsible for the day-to-day management of the chambers. As well as furnishing him with the skills necessary to thrive professionally, the chambers are also where Chris met his wife, Alison.
Their meeting not only transformed Chris’s personal life but also changed the trajectory of his career. Alison’s parents ran a successful textile business, which Chris, in due course, became involved with from 1998 to 2007. Initially coming on board to aid with the company’s proposed sale, Chris spotted a lucrative opportunity following the collapse of the intended sale. The opportunity came in the shape of an innocuous school uniform in the corner of the family shop.
Phasing in over six months, Chris was brought into the business and assumed the role of Operations Director. During his tenure, Chris capitalised on exclusive contracts with schools in the local area and beyond, expanding the shop’s product offering to cater to anything and everything kidswear-related.
Business was booming, though trouble seemed to be brewing on the horizon. At this point in the mid-noughties, larger retailers were beginning to expand into schoolwear at much cheaper prices. In addition, the advent of online shopping meant the business was forced to wrangle with the potential of digitisation. But in a stroke of fortuitous timing, Chris’ phone rang. It was the company accountant, with a buyout offer too good to refuse.
Good fortune seems to have followed Chris throughout his career. Soon after the business’ sale, his next move fell into his lap – or rather – his doorstep. It was his neighbour who presented the opportunity. He just so happened to be a director for the company that would bring Chris into the world of conveyancing, which at that point – like most – he didn’t even realise existed. Chris cut his teeth as a search agent before swiftly moving into management and operations.
“I was in an operations role for the best part of six years. Though I became keen for a new challenge,” said Chris. This challenge took the form of a sales role, which Chris loved. However, after just five months, the company was acquired by a private equity firm. The resulting ‘streamlining’ saw Chris lose his sales position and be asked to reapply for a role back in operations.
“It was certainly a shock, but it couldn’t have ended up better in the long run.” Instead of reapplying for a role he no longer wanted, Chris turned to a recently made acquaintance, Jeremy Dorkins, co-founder of On Point Data. The pair had met previously at a Groundsure-hosted rugby hospitality event. They quickly clicked over their passion for the industry, mutual high standards and concern over the challenges facing conveyancers.
“Conveyancers have to balance such a large and varied workload. They deserve a straightforward, dedicated level of service, which many search providers just can’t deliver anymore. It’s alarming to see how many professionals are exiting the field. Streamlining processes is really important because it makes conveyancer’s lives easier.”
This like-minded approach between Dear and Dorkins led to an open door at On Point Data for Chris when he was ready and able. Now, over a month in, Chris is really pleased with OPD’s way of doing things.
He notes, “it’s reminiscent of the pre-acquisition era of search providing. Clients should be able to pick up the phone and get straight through to someone with a level of understanding of their case. They should feel wanted. At On Point Data, they genuinely are.”
“I love how simplified the processes here are, in terms of the ordering platform, the products and pricing. The customer service is straightforward. It’s great to be a part of such a slick operation.”
“I have seen search providers lose clients because they are unwilling to adapt their service to reflect a client’s needs. At On Point Data, it’s so refreshing to offer a “white glove” Concierge service where we do everything possible to support the conveyancing professionals who trust us with their business.”
What’s more? Chris has a global view of conveyancing, having purchased several properties as homes and rental endeavors. He now lives in Wokingham with his wife and family, where they have been for eighteen years.
In his free time, Chris likes to keep fit by frequenting the local gym several times a week and taking Max, the family’s miniature schnauzer, on long walks. Max often keeps Chris company in the home office, so look out for him on video calls.
Travel is another passion for the Dear family, with multiple trips planned this year alone, with a trip to New York in April and Dubai in September. Most recently, Chris visited Edinburgh to watch the Six Nations Rugby Calcutta Cup in Edinburgh.
Having just about recovered from the result of the rugby match, Chris is thrilled to be up and running with On Point Data, operating primarily within Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, parts of Hertfordshire and now, Surrey.
If you’d like to get to know Chris better and discuss the On Point Data difference, you can connect with him on LinkedIn here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-dear-187389129/) or request a no-strings call via the On Point Data website here. (https://www.onpointdata.co.uk/contactus)
This article was submitted to be published by On Point Data as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.
