Mark Ellison and his team at Sparks Ellison knew their legacy system was holding them back. With growing demand and a packed diary, they needed software that could keep up—and make everyday tasks faster, not harder.
Since founding Sparks Ellison in 2003, Mark Ellison and his business partner have taken pride in staying close to the ground. The duo still handles valuations personally and plays an active role in day-to-day operations at their busy residential agency in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.
“We’re hands-on with everything – from listings and valuations to tech decisions,” Mark explains. “So when it came time to upgrade our software, we weren’t just looking for features – we were looking for something that made the team’s lives easier, too.”
With high volumes of appointments and an ever-changing property market, staying organised and responsive had become more difficult with their legacy system. They needed technology that could keep pace.
“There was a period where the diary was just full every day. And when things get that busy, your system has to be working for you, not slowing you down.”
From legacy platform to modern performance
In 2021, Sparks Ellison made the switch from VebraLive to Alto. The decision was driven by a need for flexibility, speed and better usability – without losing the structure they relied on.
The migration process was carefully planned and supported every step of the way. Alto’s team provided clear guidance and structured onboarding, helping the agency transition with minimal disruption.
“James Dolan was excellent throughout. Any concerns we had were dealt with straight away. It was smooth and straightforward – just what we needed.”
Cloud-based access made an immediate difference. Whether working remotely or on the go, the team could now manage listings, calendars and communication from anywhere, keeping pace with client expectations.
“We’d used our old system for years, but it had reached its limit. Alto gave us a chance to start fresh – without starting over.”
Cutting admin and keeping clients happy
Alto has transformed the way Sparks Ellison handles its daily workload. Previously, the process of onboarding new clients, creating listings, and then the following sales progression would be constantly slowed down by various setbacks.
Their previous CRM didn’t allow for in-system marketing or brochure creation, for example, or tasks like eSign, which may seem like a novelty once you have Alto, but can bear so much pain before its integration. The overall experience – for both team members and clients – has become faster and more consistent:
- Faster daily processes – From listings to client updates, routine admin now takes less than half the time
- Improved customer service – Since switching to Alto, the agency hasn’t received a single piece of negative feedback about speed or communication
- More flexible working – Cloud-based access has made the business more responsive, even outside the office
“Everything feels more efficient now,” Mark adds. “Our team’s happier, our clients are happier, and the business just runs better. Previously, we would spend over a day, at least, on mundane admin tasks that aren’t necessarily productive, but keep the process going. Simple things that should just be automated.”
“The team is happier because the work is more satisfying. Alto remembers what needs to be done repeatedly, so the team doesn’t have to leave the system, like managing invoices in spreadsheets, and we’ve created a much more efficient, modern approach as a business.”
Advice from experience
For other agencies thinking about making the move, Mark recommends being realistic about what your team needs – and planning ahead.
“If you’re thinking about switching systems, timing is everything. Do it during a quieter spell, lean into the training, and make sure the whole team’s on board.”
His key takeaways?
Be clear on your priorities – Know what matters most to your team and choose software that reflects that
Don’t rush the rollout – Take advantage of quieter moments to migrate with minimal disruption
Invest in the training – The more confident your staff are, the faster you’ll see the benefits
About Sparks Ellison
Sparks Ellison is an independent estate agency based in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. Founded in 2003, the agency specialises in residential sales and lettings, with a strong focus on personalised service and hands-on client engagement. They’ve been using Alto since 2021.
