Jason Ratcliffe is a dedicated professional in the real estate and sustainability sectors, serving as the Director of Steren Surveyors, the Home Health Expert, and a PhD student at the University of Plymouth. His academic journey is focused on thermal optimization strategies, where he is researching innovative methods to enhance thermal performance and air quality in homes.
Jason Ratcliffe | Director | Home Health Expert Limited
Jason is also the inventor of the Elemental Cube, a pioneering, transportable climate chamber designed for testing thermal performance and air quality.
Jason’s career began in the estate agency industry, where he quickly distinguished himself by earning both ARLA and NAEA status. He furthered his expertise by pursuing an MSc in Real Estate at the University College of Estate Management, specializing in commercial and residential sales and lettings, as well as modern and sustainable construction. During this time, he gained valuable hands-on experience by working closely with experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors. After completing his MSc with distinction, Jason qualified as a RICS Surveyor and Registered Valuer and went on to pursue a PhD at Plymouth University.
“My focus is on the true benefits and importance of thermal optimization strategies to increase the well-being of occupants and promote sustainable materials in the built environment.”
His work is primarily focused on the benefits and importance of thermal optimization strategies, particularly the use of natural and sustainable insulation materials. Jason is passionate about improving the well-being of building occupants, optimizing thermal efficiency in homes, and promoting the use of sustainable materials in the built environment. Steren Surveyors, under Jason’s leadership, is committed to building long-term relationships with clients across various sectors, including commercial, residential, and park home owners, as well as developers. The core ethos of his business ventures is to contribute to a more sustainable and higher-quality built environment that enhances the well-being of occupants and addresses physical, mental, financial, and environmental health issues.
Jason’s leadership is driven by his curiosity and passion for finding new solutions to long-standing problems in the built environment. This has led him to create and grow Steren Surveyors, the Home Health Expert brand, and the Elemental Cube, all of which push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. Throughout his career, Jason has faced challenges, particularly in convincing others to embrace his forward-thinking ideas. Despite setbacks and rejections, his persistence and growing credibility have allowed him to overcome these obstacles.
One of Jason’s proudest achievements is the success of Steren Surveyors, which has won several awards since its launch three years ago. Most recently, the company was recognized by SME News as the best surveying firm in the South West of England and one of the top companies nationwide for customer service. Additionally, the Elemental Cube won the Green Hero Award from Grand Designs Live, which Jason will be showcasing in October.
Jason is also proud of the Home Health Expert brand, which offers free and affordable advice and support to homeowners, tenants, and landlords on topics related to occupant well-being and sustainability. This brand includes the “Heal Your Home” podcast, which Jason recently launched to further explore these important issues. Jason Ratcliffe’s approach to staying at the forefront of innovation and industry trends is rooted in his commitment to continuous learning and relationship-building. He actively creates and nurtures professional relationships with leading experts in wellbeing and construction. Coupled with his own research and development efforts, this approach allows him to remain at the cutting edge of the industry, always evolving and growing.
“Inclusivity and a sense of ownership are key to cultivating a healthy company culture.”
When it comes to leadership, Jason believes in a level playing field for all his staff, including those on work experience placements. He is a strong advocate for hard work and personal ability, which he believes should be rewarded with uncapped earning potential and career development opportunities within his businesses. His leadership style is characterized by a willingness to lead by example—he only asks his teams to do tasks that he is prepared to do himself. Over the years, he has remained open to criticism and feedback, allowing his leadership style to evolve and adapt.
Building and maintaining a strong company culture is a priority for Jason. He places great importance on inclusivity and a sense of ownership among his teams. He encourages staff members to pursue and develop parts of the business they are passionate about and even offers shareholdings to those who contribute to the company’s growth. This sense of ownership and inclusivity fosters a healthy and motivated workplace culture. Despite his success, Jason acknowledges that making difficult business decisions is a part of leadership. He approaches such decisions with careful consideration, always striving to maintain the integrity of the team.
Looking to the future, Jason has ambitious goals for his companies. He aims to grow Steren Surveyors into a nationwide surveying firm, leading the way for new generations of trainee surveyors through the Steren Academy program. Additionally, he envisions Home Health Expert, along with the “Heal Your Home” podcast, becoming a household name in the UK and eventually in America, where they can help improve wellbeing standards within buildings and give a voice to those who feel unheard. Jason also plans to see the Elemental Cube distributed and used globally. He is determined to achieve these goals through persistence, focus, and by building strong teams that will advocate for his brands around the world.
Maintaining a work-life balance is a challenge for Jason, especially because he is deeply passionate about his work. However, he emphasizes the importance of managing one’s diary and ensuring a healthy balance of time spent with family and friends. His advice to aspiring business leaders is to find a balance that works for them and to make time for their personal lives. Jason sees the biggest opportunity in his industry as becoming the first to market and a leader in building and occupant wellbeing, as well as dynamic thermal optimization strategies. However, he also identifies the biggest threat as the industry’s reluctance to move away from traditional ways of working.
For those looking to become successful business leaders, Jason’s key piece of advice is to believe in oneself, even in the face of rejection. He firmly believes that it only takes one person to believe in their idea, and eventually, others will follow. This mindset has been instrumental in his journey, driving him to achieve success and inspire others along the way.
“It only takes you to believe in yourself and your idea; after that, eventually, others will follow.”