The Second World War had been over for 3 years when, in 1948, Jim Raw-Rees returned to his home town. He set up in practice as an Auctioneer, Estate Agent, Surveyor and Valuer, at premises in Great Darkgate Street , beyond the town clock.
Although he soon established himself in business, the early years were not easy. In 1951, as a result of his war service, he was taken seriously ill and was in hospital for a long period. When he recovered, he returned to the business which, with hard work, grew and flourished. In October 1954, a move was made to a more central premises in Chalybeate Street. In spite of leading a busy professional life, Jim Raw-Rees found time to serve the community in many ways, as a Magistrate, a member of the Cardiganshire County Council as a Deputy Lieutenant of the County and in 1970 as a High Sheriff.
Charles Raw-Rees, Jim’s elder son, studied for his professional qualifications in Sheffield and gained the best Student of the Year Award. Sion Raw-Rees, Charles’ brother, has also followed in his father’s footsteps and is a Chartered surveyor. He is a partner in a multi-disciplined private practice in Cheshire.
Due to his fathers failing health Charles joined the practice as a partner in 1982 and in 1986 upon the death of Jim Raw-Rees he took over the firm. Charles two sons have also followed the family tradition. Llŷr the eldest having received his first class honour degree from Reading in building surveying is a chartered surveyor with a large global property company in London. Steffan is an architectural and civil engineer who gained his Masters degree in Bath, he works for an international firm based in London.
Charles has created and developed a thoroughly modern company, offering a comprehensive range of estate agency and professional service throughout Mid-Wales and also specialises in commercial properties.
The name Jim Raw-Rees & Co is a proud reminder of the man who established the firm and provided the people of Ceredigion and beyond with a local, professional service.