Michael Day MBA FRICS FNAEA FARLA, Managing Director of Integra Property Services and former Director at Connells, is marking a remarkable milestone: entering his 50th year in the property industry.
His journey, which began on 29th December 1975, has been nothing short of extraordinary, combining professional achievements with a deep commitment to innovation and community.
Michael’s career began with Rayners Lane-based agency Wretham & Co. His first task? Cleaning artificial Christmas snow off the window display while wearing his new three-piece suit.
“It was hardly a glamorous start,” he recalls with a laugh. “But it taught me the importance of attention to detail.”
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
From these humble beginnings, Michael’s career quickly gained momentum. By the age of 21, he had qualified with the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers (ISVA), now part of RICS.
TAKING UXBRIDGE BY STORM
In 1983, at just 23, Michael opened a new office for A C Frost and Company in Uxbridge. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he says: “We transformed the town’s property market with unmatched service and performance, completing 262 sales in 1984 alone.” This success earned him a partnership in the firm. When the business was acquired by Prudential in 1986, Michael became an Area Director and later a Regional Director.
SHAPING THE INDUSTRY
After Prudential’s exit from estate agency in 1991, Michael joined Connells, where he rose to the main board and played a pivotal role in launching its conveyancing operations.
“At Connells, we turned our sales pipelines five times a year, compared to the industry average of four,” he explains.
“Today, that average is sadly closer to two or three.”
Michael was also instrumental in Connells’ early adoption of technology. He led their online presence in 1996, even personally purchasing the Connells domain name to prove a point. He also contributed to the creation of Rightmove, recalling Connells’ initial investment of £1.1 million for an 11% stake in the portal, now valued at around £5 billion.
PROGRESS AND PROCESS
Throughout his career, Michael has championed improving the property sales process. As a member of the Home Buying and Selling Council, he has pushed for greater transparency and efficiency, advocating for upfront information and early conveyancer involvement.
His leadership extended to ethics and standards. He played a key role in Connells joining what is now the Property Ombudsman Scheme and was the first chair of the RICS Residential Faculty.
“Integrity has always been at the heart of what I do,” he says.
INTEGRA PROPERTY SERVICES
In 2003, Michael founded Integra Property Services, deriving the name from “Integrity, Integration, and Internet.”
Over two decades, Integra has worked with more than 1,450 clients and won eight industry awards. In 2023, Michael was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at The Negotiator Awards.
BEYOND PROPERTY
Michael’s contributions extend beyond his professional life. A founding member of the charity Agents Together, he mentors others in the industry.
In 2024, he became a Director and Trustee of The Propertymark Trust. He has also raised funds and awareness for Diabetes UK, walking one million steps (approximately 1,000 miles) in both 2023 and 2024.
“As someone living with type 1 diabetes for over 35 years, this cause is deeply personal,” he says.
ROCK STAR
Away from the office, Michael is a passionate musician. In 2024, he performed 36 gigs and continues to entertain friends with his iconic social media renditions of “Happy Birthday.”
“I still dream of rock stardom,” he jokes.
CHANGES
Looking back, Michael notes the industry’s transformation.
“In 1975, we didn’t have the Estate Agents Act, Assured Shorthold Tenancies, or even photocopiers. The internet was 20 years away,” he recalls. “But one thing remains constant: this is a people business. Building relationships and trust is as vital now as it was then.”
Michael credits his longevity to a guiding philosophy inspired by Zig Ziglar: “You can have everything you want in life if you just help enough other people achieve what they want in life.”
As he embarks on his 50th year in the industry, Michael shows no signs of slowing down. Whether mentoring, innovating, or rocking out on stage, he remains a dynamic force, shaping the future of property and beyond.
