DPJ Property Management Limited
Formerly Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire Services and National Director Special Programmes within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, I am now a Director of the Bowood View (Melksham) Management Company Ltd. We manage a development of 150 private homes on land owned by residents and managed by property agent DPJ owned by Michael Hough.
DPJ have managed our development since 1st May 2025 covering all aspects of grounds and other maintenance contracts together with a requirement for future planning and performing all administrative functions.
Prior to January 2025 our managing agents were First Port who had acquired our contract by default by means of a takeover of Alexander Faulkner Partnership. In late December 2024 we became aware of serious discrepancies in our accounts and challenged First Port accordingly. In short their response was wholly unhelpful and as a consequence we served First Port with 90 day’s notice of contract termination.
In my former professional role, I developed extensive experience in major specialist public procurement, personality and communications skills assessment. I therefore embarked on a structured programme of seeking a new contractor from a range of alternative agents. During this period Michael Hough provided a detailed online and personal presentation which encompassed his management skillset and allowed assessment of his personal qualities.
After careful consideration we negotiated a contract with Michael Hough and contracted his company DPJ on 1st May 2025. Since then, compared with First Port’s and the previous performance of other agents, things here have improved immeasurably, evidenced by our observations and a most positive reaction from our constituents. Michael’s ability to get things done and to anticipate requirements, together with a transparent and organised approach to accountancy has benefited us considerably. Costs are kept to minimum yet at the same time significant improvement is tangible. In particular his pleasant and professional approach reduced client debt to almost zero and is truly remarkable.
I therefore have no reservation whatsoever in recommending Michael Hough and DPJ Property Management as a well qualified, trustworthy and wholly reliable contractor.
Keith Phillips OBE
Director Bowood View (Melksham) Management Company Ltd
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your email.
Can I just say it is such a change to deal with a management company that reacts and responds so quickly. How refreshing and thank you for your prompt response.
Regards,
Jill Cade
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your message. It’s really great to see your impact, even before you’re officially incharge of the site. I must admit, my enthusiasm has wavered in recent times, as the planning, knowledge and consistency required for the site has been seemingly impossible to achieve.
Very sad for such a beautiful building that it has drifted on many fronts, away from a place of being well managed and maintained. I know it will take a while, but delighted to feel like with your work and professionalism, we are finally in a position to start to put in place effective planning, and have a service from the management company.
Best wishes,
Jo Phillpotts
Director Slad Mills
Michael,
Firstly I’d like to offer my appreciation for the work you have achieved since taking over as the management agent, the site is looking the best it has since Bellway transferred ownership. It is also nice to receive a newsletter highlighting the activities.
Jason
Resident Melksham
Dear Mr. Hough,
It was a pleasure meeting you and I feel decidedly optimistic that Picklenash has entered a new phase of really being cared about and cared for.
Thank you for the time spent here yesterday.
Regards,
Gill
resident Newent
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your understanding and being so responsive. Its so refreshing to deal with a management company that cares. Keep up the good work.
Marjan
Resident in Yate
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for sorting this, I have had this account issue for the past 2 years and attempted to have this resolved roughly 8 times with no joy, multiple tickets opened with the previous management company that just could not get this sorted. You approach and understanding and willingness to do the work has resulted in this error being resolved.
Thank you so much!
Jade
resident Devizes
Dear DPJ,
This is the first time I’ve ever had a property manager knock on my door and introduce himself, it genuinely blew my mind. Normally they hide behind an email address, but for you to take the initiative and introduce yourself in person, hand-deliver a welcome letter and actually ask how things are on the estate, it made such a difference. It felt like someone finally cared about the residents and the community we live in.
Francesca
Resident Devizes
I attended the recent AGM and wanted to say how impressed I was. The meeting was extremely informative, and your honesty and openness about the challenges we face on the estate really stood out. It’s clear you have a strong grasp of the issues and a genuine commitment to putting things right. For the first time, I feel confident that we have a property management company that truly cares about the community and is willing to be transparent with residents.
Adam
Resident Bradford on Avon
As a director, I have been extremely impressed with the monthly management reports provided by DPJ. The level of detail is far beyond anything we have received before.
The comprehensive overview of every aspect of the estate keeps the board fully informed and up to date, and the transparency around finances is invaluable.
As an accountant, the monthly Actual vs Budget report has been a game-changer, it gives me a clear understanding of our financial position throughout the year and allows us to make informed decisions with confidence.
The inclusion of a year planner for meetings and site visits has also been incredibly helpful, allowing me to plan my responsibilities as a director well in advance.
DPJ’s structured, transparent approach has set a new standard for estate management.
Director
