Founded in 2004, Paterson Associates is a commercial property consultancy with a distinct approach. The team offers comprehensive property services built on a foundation of confidentiality, principal-level involvement, and a balance of innovative thinking and disciplined execution. With a growing portfolio and a commitment to high-quality reporting, the team needed a more efficient way to manage surveys and reporting at scale.
“We used a Word version template which was given to the surveyor when they started with us,” says Tom Cairns, Internal Recruiter at Paterson Associates, “It was a very rudimentary starting point, but GoReport has changed all of that for us.”
A Need for Consistency, Oversight and Efficiency
Before GoReport, the firm’s traditional reporting methods left too much room for inconsistency, and far too much time spent on manual work.
“The time it took for the surveyor to upload information and images was significant,” Tom recalls, “It probably took as long to do as the writing element of the report.”
Formatting and presentation were also a challenge, varying from one surveyor to the next depending on IT skills and personal preferences.
“The formatting and consistency in presentation was not within our control,” Tom says, “The results would be wide ranging.”
Visibility across projects was another key driver behind the move to digital. Without a clear view of how far each report had progressed, it was difficult to manage workloads and spot issues early.
“With the visibility of where surveyors are up to with their reporting, how much is complete, how far they are off finishing – this has become a very useful management tool.”
A Trusted Partner with Sector Knowledge
Initially, the firm explored building its own software but soon saw the value in using a proven, surveyor-focused platform.
“We looked at designing our own app and spoke to some developers,” Tom explains, “but we landed on working with GoReport to develop a bespoke model form.”
GoReport’s position as an RICS Tech Partner and its familiarity within the surveying community made it a smart and trusted choice.
“It meant that it had gone through all of its testing and bugs in terms of its back end, and that the majority of surveyors would be familiar with its usability, minimising training.”
A Trusted Partner with Sector Knowledge
Initially, the firm explored building its own software but soon saw the value in using a proven, surveyor-focused platform.
“We looked at designing our own app and spoke to some developers,” Tom explains, “but we landed on working with GoReport to develop a bespoke model form.”
GoReport’s position as an RICS Tech Partner and its familiarity within the surveying community made it a smart and trusted choice.
“It meant that it had gone through all of its testing and bugs in terms of its back end, and that the majority of surveyors would be familiar with its usability, minimising training.”
Collaboration That Delivers Results
One of the most valued aspects of working with GoReport has been the collaborative approach to product development.
“I think the ability to work with the tech team to explore changes, improvements and evolutions has been of most value,” says Tom. “Whether it be changing marketplace, legislation or even client requirements, we’ve worked with the tech team to find solutions.”
When asked what advice he would give to another firm considering GoReport, Tom doesn’t hesitate.
“Do it. You won’t regret it.”
GoReport has not only delivered on expectations, it has helped Paterson Associates invest in a system that supports both day-to-day efficiency and long-term business growth.
“GoReport has helped us to develop a market-leading model form and allowed us to do so in a financial framework that suited us,” says Tom. “Which in turn allowed us to invest now for the long-term benefit to all.”