2025 marks a remarkable milestone for Katharine, who has been an indispensable part of the 1Let family for 20 years. From organising compliance checks to ensuring our properties remain safe and secure, Katharine’s expertise and dedication have been the backbone of our operations. This year, we celebrate her incredible journey, her unwavering commitment, and the positive impact she has had on everyone at 1Let.
From 2005 to Today: A Journey of Commitment
Katharine joined what was then Pirie & Clark in August 2005 after a chance conversation on the netball court with Fiona Foreman. Both their children played together, and Katharine was looking for a part-time role. Starting just four hours a week, she has grown with the company over two decades, now dedicating 15 hours each week to keeping compliance running smoothly.
“I’ve been lucky enough to always work part-time, which gives me a good work/life balance,” Katharine reflects. “Compliance covers organising all the annual checks, ensuring they are completed before expiry, collating certificates, and arranging any remedial work. I used to do all this myself, but now I’m fortunate to have support from Nicole, Tahlia, and Ken when expert advice is needed.”
Early in her career, Katharine also handled utilities, referencing, producing new leases, and managing all the paperwork - now thankfully stored digitally. Her adaptability and calm approach have seen her through the company’s many changes: from Pirie & Clark in 2005 to 1Let in 2007, and then under the ownership of Ken Bell in 2021.
Since 2005, 1Let has grown from managing around 30 properties to over 400 today, evolving from a small team to a team of 11. Katharine has seen it all, embracing new systems, regulations, and challenges with the calm determination she’s famous for.
What Our Team Says About Katharine
Her colleagues describe her as reliable, supportive, and quietly inspiring:
“Having worked alongside Katharine for over ten years, I’ve seen firsthand how her quiet presence commands respect. She listens far more than she speaks, taking in every detail. When she chooses to speak, her words are few, yet each carries the weight of hard-earned wisdom. Every conversation with her leaves you clearer, steadier, and just a little wiser than before.” – Beata, Operations Director
“I’ve worked closely with Katharine during my time at 1Let but have known her much longer. Her organisation and attention to detail are unparalleled and she keeps compliance ticking over like clockwork. She is thorough, reliable, and 1Let is in safe hands with Katharine here! She is a joy to work with.” – Nicole, Finance Administrator
Fiona, one of 1Let’s original owners, remembers Katharine as loyal, accurate, and supportive – qualities that made her the perfect first employee. She fondly recalls:
“Our office was in our attic up a Ramsay ladder, full of spiders and usual attic ‘stuff’! A very good decision for us and 1Let to bring Katharine on board.”
Ewan, Fiona’s husband, captured Katharine’s unique combination of calm and determination in a playful poem celebrating her 20-year milestone…
Don't be fooled by Katharine,
with her calm and quiet demeanor,
Take her to a football match,
Now THEN you've really seen her!
I once called her "Katy"
she was not at all impressed,
"Katharine is my name" she said,
because respect is always best!
She also holds the world record,
For holding on the line,
Mostly to Scottish Power I think,
3 hours at a time!
It's also almost certain,
That tenants WOULD BE dead,
but for all that safety compliance,
always in her head!
"He's very loud",
She once confided about a certain guy,
You'll probably manage to work out who,
If you REALLY try!!
Quietly determined,
Is another characteristic,
Definitely more of a planner,
than impulsive or ballistic!
20 years at 1Let,
It's amazing and impressive,
and we all acknowledge who and what you are,
WITH THANKS THAT IS EXCESSIVE!
Ken, our Managing Director, adds:
"I am thrilled to say Katharine has been my one constant at 1Let. For over 18 years we have worked closely together and watched the company evolve and expand. Landlords, tenants and staff have come and gone over the years, legislation has changed beyond recognition from the early days, but Katharine has endured through it all and is still giving her all to 1Let.
People like Katharine don’t come along every day; she is thorough, accurate and very detail orientated, exactly the type of person to manage safety across hundreds of properties. She keeps our landlords compliant and our tenants safe, and I am so proud to be travelling my 1Let journey with Katharine."
A Pillar of Safety and Compliance
Over the years, Katharine has witnessed many changes in regulations, including the significant Repairing Standard introduced in March 2024, ensuring good and safe homes for tenants. She has also adapted to multiple property management systems, moving from Carl to Letmc and now SME, always embracing change with the steadiness of Aesop’s tortoise from the fable she loves.
One of the biggest challenges she faced was during the pandemic in 2020–2021. While only gas checks were mandatory, Katharine had to coordinate the backlog of other compliance checks - a logistical nightmare she handled with calm and perseverance, ensuring everything was back on track the following year.
Katharine also fondly remembers office celebrations, including the legendary Christmas party at Prestonfield House and winding up in The Whisky Room.
Advice for Future Compliance Heroes
When asked what advice she would give to someone starting in her role today, Katharine says:
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Think ahead and plan your checks in advance
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Accuracy is key
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Don’t rush your work – double-check everything
Katharine continues to enjoy her role, predominantly working from home with fortnightly visits to the office. Her focus remains on keeping 1Let compliant, safe, and well-run, while supporting her colleagues with her steady guidance.
“Still enjoying it and to be able to work at home predominantly with a fortnightly visit to the office for staff meetings,” Katharine reflects. “The biggest milestone is still being here after 20 years!”
Thank You, Katharine
Thank you, Katharine, for 20 incredible years of dedication, expertise, and positivity. From your first days in a spider-filled attic to being the pillar of compliance at 1Let, you have shaped the company and supported generations of colleagues. Here’s to many more milestones together!