Martin & Co News

Best Letting Agents in the UK Announced

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:35:42 +0000

Martin & Co have been shortlisted for another national award along with twenty-six local Martin & Co offices who have been shortlisted as one of the best letting agents in their region as part of at the Estate & Letting Agent Awards 2010 (ESTAS awards).

The results of the competition are determined by research carried out amongst landlords who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 19,000 votes were cast by members of the public in response to the research. There are 10 regional categories and shortlists for each region: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North East & West, Yorkshire & the Humber, Central, South West, Southern, South East and London.

Martin & Co are defending their title of Best Large Letting Chain 2009 and are hopeful of success at this year's awards. "This award means a lot to Martin & Co and our offices as it is voted for by landlords. We pride ourselves on the unrivalled level of service that we offer all of our clients and last year's award recognized that. However to have 26 offices shortlisted regionally is an even greater achievement and demonstrates the consistently high quality of service that our landlords can expect to receive throughout the UK." commented Mark Burdge, Sales and Marketing Director at Martin & Co.

"Throughout the letting industry there is a constant need to improve customer service and these are the only awards that recognise just that. Word of mouth and customer satisfaction are powerful marketing tools. Thank you to all our landlords who completed a questionnaire as without their feedback we would not have been included in the shortlist," added Burdge.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on 15th April. Phil Spencer, media personality and journalist who is perhaps best known as a co presenter on Channel 4's Location, Location and Re-location, Re-location will be presenting the awards.

David Cameron Welcomes Martin & Co Opening in Witney

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:32:05 +0000

Local economies and communities rely on local businesses, so the opening of the latest Martin & Co office is great news for Witney and the surrounding area. The importance of the locally owned letting agent's opening was recognised by the leader of the opposition, David Cameron, who opened the office on Friday.

Martin & Co Witney franchise owners Judi and Andrew Ramsay (above right, with David Cameron) have an extensive background in the property industry having set up, and developed, an Estate Agency in Spain. 'Valencia Choice' was a start up company which enjoyed considerable success over a six year period before Judi and Andrew decided to return to the UK to start a new challenge. The local husband and wife team are ready to take lettings in the Witney area on to the next level.

"We have had considerable experience as landlords ourselves and are well aware of the generally poor level of service offered by other agents. We have also run our own successful estate agency in Spain, so we know what it takes to satisfy our clients. Attention to detail, working with landlords & tenants as individuals, and striving to match their requirements to the property, should ensure that we will build a reputation for customer service that will establish Martin & Co as the agent of choice in Witney" commented Judi.

"Housing is a basic need, but too often the service available to landlords and tenants is also basic. We know the industry and our key principle is to offer the best customer service available in the industry." added Andrew.

There is no better place to be than Witney at the moment, according to Judi. "We have owned a house near Witney for many years. The area is expanding rapidly and is designated as a ‘boom' town close to Oxford, with a lot of new housing developments, and so the location for a new rental business is very attractive."

"We believe that Witney will continue to grow and need more housing. The council has plans for a number of new developments in Witney itself, and the nearby town of Carterton is home to the Brize Norton airbase which is expanding because of the closure of RAF Lyneham in the next couple of years. We have every intention of being a significant part of that local growth." added Judi.

Although Martin & Co are a national brand, Andrew is keen to stress that the office is owned and will be run locally. "As a start-up business we will initially be employing one new member of staff but we plan to expand rapidly and be in a position to bring more employment to the area. We also intend to join the local community organisations that ‘put something back' into the local community."

"We care about the local area are delighted that David Cameron was able to come and officially open the office. We ask the question; if you're anything other than delighted with your letting agent what's stopping you from contacting us?"

The opening the latest Martin & Co office in Witney will increase the award winning brand's coverage further across the local region, with offices located in Oxford, Banbury, Abingdon and Cirencester.

Martin & Co Ask – Why Pay a Broker to Find a Buy-to-Let Mortgage?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:22:16 +0000

The UK's leading letting agent has announced the launch of its new mortgages service. The Martin & Co Mortgage service will be offered throughout the UK's 175 letting agents and also online via www.martinco.com. The service allows landlords to access the buy-to-let mortgage finder which, based on a landlord's personal circumstances, will search all of the available buy-to-let mortgage schemes from all leaders in the market, to find the best deal for them.

"We are always looking to develop new services that add value to our clients. With the launch of Martin & Co Mortgages we can now offer landlords one of the most comprehensive services in the industry." commented Mark Burdge, Sales and Marketing Director.

"The mortgage finder is not just a marketing gimmick. Landlords can search all of the available deals and get full details of any scheme they wish. The mortgage finder will also tell you how much monthly income you have in surplus or shortfall with a particular scheme!" added Burdge.

"We are confident that the service will help landlords across the UK save time, and more importantly money. The service is completely free of charge and also has a free helpline, giving landlords access to our buy-to-let mortgage specialists, who will be happy to help. We are not re-inventing buy-to-let mortgages, we're just re-inventing how landlords search for them." concluded Burdge.

Landlords wishing to access the buy-to-let mortgage service should visit www.martinco.com.

Landlords - How are tenants looking for your property?

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:18:09 +0000

All landlords understand that reliable and trustworthy tenants are the key to maximising the returns on their investment, but often landlords are out of touch with how these tenants find their properties.

Read the full article on the Martin & Co Blog.

To Tweet or not to Tweet – that’s not the question.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:54 +0000

Social networking has taken the world by storm over recent years. Twitter now claims to have over 75 million users worldwide, whilst Facebook boasts over 400 million users, 50% of which log-in daily! With such a large number of users using this communication channel it's vital that businesses keep up with their market.

But are letting agents maximising the online channel's potential?

Read the full article on the Martin & Co Blog.

Martin & Co celebrate 15 years of successful franchising

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:42 +0000

The lettings industry has grown significantly in the last 15 years, but the growth of Martin & Co has been even more dramatic.

Launched in Yeovil in 1986, Martin & Co grew quickly and the founder and Chairman Richard Martin (who now lives in Dorset) began offering training courses to prospective letting agents. Taking inspiration from the book, ‘Behind the Golden Arches' (McDonalds) and requests from his course delegates to licence his business system Richard Martin decided to go down the franchise route in the mid 1990s. Neither he nor the company has looked back since.

"You cannot compromise the values upon which a successful business has been founded. Your good name is everything," says Richard Martin.

In just over a decade, Martin & Co has built up one of the UK's leading residential lettings and property management brands.

With its distinctive blue and a white logo, and the clean modern look of its shops and growing reputation, Martin & Co now has over 175 franchised offices throughout the UK. In terms of geographical spread it's already the largest lettings network.

The brand aims to have 200 offices on key high streets in the UK by the end of 2010. This would be some feat for a company that started franchising in 1995.

The lettings industry remains strong and the whole network is looking forward to 2010 with confidence.

Martin & Co Office Pioneer New Lettings Technology

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:34 +0000

Forward-thinking letting agents Martin & Co have launched an innovative new scheme to help tenants search for their perfect property using the latest mobile phone technology. Martin & Co's new initiative uses quick response graphics, known as QR codes, which when scanned using a barcode reader application installed on a camera phone take users to a website encoded in the image. The codes can be used to access a variety of information available through the Martin & Co website, including property details, maps, images and contact information. The technology also enables users to contact the office by email, phone or text at the touch of a button.

Julian Diggle, IT director, and one of three local brothers and landlords that own and run Martin & Co in Cambridge, said: "We believe we're the first letting agent, not only in Cambridge, but in the whole of the UK to promote and implement the use of QR codes in this way. In years to come this technology will be everywhere!"

Bar codes can be scanned from the Martin & Co website where they are displayed alongside standard property photographs. They are also available in the agency's Mill Road office, and on the agency's printed property listings. Martin & Co plans to roll out the use of QR codes in a number of areas to support its property marketing efforts, and to ultimately speed up the time in which suitable tenants are found.

Nick Diggle, director, wrote: "We wanted to enable our prospective tenants to get more from our website, and to be able use our property details, maps, local info and other web-based features to better effect. Now tenants can store and access a wealth of property information on their phones ahead of viewings, and easily share them with one another. We hope our prospective tenants will feel better informed and will enjoy a more interactive experience."

Many new mobile phone handsets now come with bar code readers pre-installed, and there are a variety of bar code reader applications available free of charge from the iphone app store and other mobile application marketplaces. The software is fast becoming one of the most frequently downloaded mobile apps. In October 2009, The Times newspaper listed a bar code reader as the number 1 iPhone app that saves users money (Top 10 iPhone Apps to Save You Money, October 11, 2009).

This is just the latest market leading technology to be used the UK based letting agent Martin & Co. Earlier on this year they re-launched their website after investing £50,000 in its development.

Martin & Co Signal Their Intent for 2010 With New Appointment

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:28:20 +0000

2009 was a difficult year for most businesses but not for Martin & Co. The letting agent's office revenue was up over 40% on 2008 and the company also opened over 25 brand new offices, taking their overall total to over 170 offices across the UK.

Far from resting on their laurels the company has signaled their intent for 2010 by expanding their head office team for the 9th time in the past 12 months! Dean Gill, who has over 20 years experience in the property industry, has been appointed in the role of CFP Trainer, and will join the ever growing Martin & Co Training Academy.

"Dean will be assisting in the training and final implementation of CFP software across the network. He is a competent and experienced trainer who will be a great asset to the Training Academy team. Dean's addition to the Training Academy sends out a clear message that we are committed to investing in our franchise owners and their staff." commented Brand Standards Director Sue Hopson.

Dean is clearly relishing the chance to get started and work with franchise owners and their staff. "I am delighted to be joining the UK's market leading letting agent. I'm excited at the opportunity to work with a national operation which is growing at a record rate. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and delivering useful and effective training to the Martin & Co network."

Ian Wilson, Managing Director said "People want careers and not just jobs. Our Training Academy will aim to deliver over 2000 delegate days of training this year to both franchise owners and their staff. Because we provide great training, at convenient regional centres, our franchise owners find it easier to recruit and retain the most talented staff. And as a result our landlords and tenants are able to benefit from a level of expertise and customer service that is second to none"

Dean Gill - CFP Trainer

Martin gets a makeover!

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:25:33 +0000

Martin & Co announce the successful re-launch of their website www.martinco.com. After working with web designers and developers at The Property Jungle and Search Engine Optimisation specialists Vertical Leap the new site is now live.

"As a property search site it was essential that this function remained core to the new site as well as maintaining the established branding that Martin & Co is renowned for nationwide. The Property Jungle recognised this requirement and were able to work with us to develop a bespoke site to support all the users' requirements," commented Mark Burdge Sales & Marketing Director.

The Web is widely used for property searches with over 80% of people starting their research online. This makes it an ideal marketing tool for the fast moving world of lettings. "Fierce competition in our industry makes investment in an effective website that is easily found through search engines such as Google crucial," he added.

The new Martin & Co website features individually managed office homepages, an Intranet to improve inter-office and company-wide communications as well as social networking and "search engine friendly" functionality.

"Working with Martin and Co and delivering a solution that makes a real difference to the way they do business has been a very rewarding exercise" said Mike Smithson from The Property Jungle, "Our experience and solid track record of delivering property industry websites that work enabled us to understand their business and requirements and build them a tool that helps them get on with the business of renting properties".

Portsmouth based search engine marketing specialists Vertical Leap worked with the Martin & Co head office team and Property Jungle to optimise the site. Although it is early days, with over 170 office pages locally optimised, Martin & Co are expecting to see increased exposure online, as well as an improvement in the customer experience. Google trends have already recognised Martin & Co as a "rising star".

Landlords and tenants alike can benefit from a number of improvements to the new site. These include enhanced property search tools, unbiased information about letting and/or renting a property providing helpful hints and tips, jargon busters to help explain the technical "lingo" used in the world of lettings, FAQ's, and information guides. Tenants are able to receive regular property updates via text and/or email and landlords can also benefit from their property being featured as property of the week. Martin & Co can even be followed on Twitter.

Finally Mark added, "We are delighted with the feedback we have had to date on the new site and we are already planning phase two. It's great to be able to work with suppliers such as The Property Jungle and Vertical Leap who understand and share our ambition and vision and this is crucial if we are to continue to be a major player in the lettings sector both on and off-line."

Martin & Co chosen as preferred letting agent by Homes for Heroes

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:22:43 +0000

After extensive due diligence, Homes for Heroes have appointed Martin & Co as preferred letting agent to their clients. Homes for Heroes was set up by a group of recently retired officers with a mission to help forces personnel to purchase property and also to donate 50% of profits to forces charities; specifically those that support homeless ex-forces personnel (currently 5,000).

Homes for Heroes have strategic relationships with key suppliers in the industry to secure great deals for serving forces personnel and ensure that they are well looked after; particularly important when serving abroad.

For those that buy property to rent as an investment, Martin & Co have been chosen to provide a comprehensive letting service through their network of over 170 offices.

In addition, Martin & Co are proud to contribute £ 100 for every fully managed property instruction to the nominated charities of Homes for Heroes.

Mark Burdge, Sales & Marketing Director at Martin & Co added, "Whilst we were delighted that Homes for Heroes recognised the quality of service that Martin & Co could provide to their clients, we are particularly pleased to be able to support such worthy charities that help those who have fought for our country - a particularly relevant subject at the moment"

Martin & Co Reach New Heights

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:43:55 +0000

Martin & Co Operations Director Jeremy Ogborne completed a charity abseil this week!

The abseil took place on Sunday the 8th of November and involved Jeremy and golfing friend, Bud Slaney, abseiling down the water tower at Tower Park, the name says it all! Abseiling is no mean feat any way but climbing down an awkwardly shaped tower which stands at 120 feet tall is a great achievement.

On reaching the bottom Jeremy was delighted. "I've done some challenging things in my time and this certainly ranks up there with the best of them. It was great fun and more importantly we have raised money for a fantastic cause."

Jeremy's friend Bud, is no stranger to challenging situations having worked in the armed forces for 25 years, operating in the Falklands, the Gulf, the Balkans and Northern Ireland.

The duo are confident about reaching their £2,000 target and are grateful for all of the support that friends and members of the public have shown them. Any money raised will go to Dorset Scope to enable Ewan to spend time at their short stay respite home, Smithers. For Ewan to spend a week at Smithers costs £2000.

Jeremy commented, "It was great to see over 100 people turn up and support us at the abseil on Sunday. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Barton-on-Sea Golf Club, Pen Pushers Golf Society and to everyone that's donated so far. We would also like to thank Hamworthy Outdoor Education Centre (HOEC) who helped us with the abseil and made sure everything was safe and secure."

If you would like to donate money towards the cause, then please email Jeremy.ogborne@martinco.com and request a sponsorship form.

Bud (left) and Jeremy (right) looking confident pre-abseil

One small step for man.... the due take their first steps.

Well on their way now.

Jeremy and Bud reach the bottom unscathed!

Martin & Co Employee Joins Elite

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:12:10 +0000

Sue Hopson of Martin & Co UK Ltd is one of only 15 lettings practitioners across the country to be awarded the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) Diploma in Residential Letting and Management.

Sue is celebrating a double success having just recently been promoted to Brand Standards Director at Martin & Co's head office, based in Bournemouth, Dorset. Sue has worked for Martin & Co for over 4 years starting as a lettings manager for the local office, before taking on the new role of Best Practices Manager. Sue joins an executive team of two (all who report to the Managing Director, Ian Wilson) and is the first Martin & Co employee to be promoted to a role at this level.

Commenting on Sue's recent appointment and exam success Ian Wilson, Managing Director said, "Sue's hard work and commitment has really paid off, and I'm delighted that she's part of the executive team."

On her recent promotion Sue commented, "I have really seen Martin & Co progress over the years and I am excited by the challenges this new role brings. The lettings sector is vibrant and ever changing and with increasing legislation and regulation it is essential that as a large network and established brand in this sector we continue to work with our franchise owners in raising the standards and knowledge.

NFOPP, the umbrella body for five of the leading professional bodies representing those who work in the property sector, launched the diploma last year as part of its drive to raise standards and recognise excellence. Sue Hopson has joined an elite group by becoming one of the first practitioners in the UK to achieve the profession's top qualification.

Ruth Lilley, head of membership and professional development at NFOPP, said: "I heartily congratulate Sue on her achievement. The Diploma is our highest level qualification, and one that carries real weight. The award is tangible evidence of a commitment to best practice and the highest standards of professionalism and I am delighted to say that we are now seeing a growing surge of interest from those employed in the industry in other parts of the country keen to follow Sue's example.

Sue Hopson

Martin & Co Shortlisted for National Award

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:39:07 +0100

Martin & Co, the UK's No1 letting agent, has been shortlisted for the Negotiator Awards 2009. The lettings specialist has been nominated in the "Letting Agent of the Year (National Chain)" category.

Martin & Co are a franchised network dedicated to lettings, with over 170 offices throughout the UK. Locally these include Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, New Forest and Salisbury. The head office is also in Bournemouth. Martin & Co are no strangers to success having won the "Best Large Letting Chain" award (ESTAS 2009) and recognised as Franchisor of the Year at the previous year's Negotiator Awards.

On being shortlisted for the awards, Managing Director Ian Wilson commented, "This is great news having been shortlisted for a second year in a row. We are absolutely delighted as we are up against stiff competition."

Clare Bettelley, The editor of The Negotiator, the leading magazine for the world of estate agency, said: "We've had a terrific response and Martin & Co has done brilliantly to get shortlisted from such a huge field. We're delighted that we're able to organise a ceremony to reward those firms that are delivering industry best practice".

The event is the premier nationwide estate agency awards scheme in the UK, and the trophies will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane on Wednesday 11 November.

The sponsors of the awards include The Digital Property Group, FindaProperty.com, Primelocation.com and the Fully Furnished Group.

Martin & Co Prepare to Defend their Title

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:31:12 +0100

Martin & Co's UK offices join national award scheme to defend their 2009 Best Large Letting Chain title. Martin & Co, the UK's no1 letting agent has joined the Estate & Letting Agent Awards scheme which recognises the best agents based on research conducted with landlords UK-wide. The scheme measures the quality of customer service provided by agents during the rental process.

Not only is Martin & Co defending its national award but we are also hoping to do as well as/ better than last year having won numerous regional awards for the performances of their offices locally.

Mark Burdge, Martin & Co's Sales & Marketing Director said "We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of the personal service we provide and this is great way to demonstrate how good we really are."

Landlord & Buy-to-Let Show

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:56:02 +0100

Martin & Co have already attended shows earlier this year in Manchester (June) and at Olympia (September). Having had really positive feedback from exhibitors and landlords alike, Martin & Co move onto Birmingham in October. The show returns to the NEC for the third time on 16th and 17th of October.

The event has a proven track record in attracting thousands of serious landlords and letting professionals. The event is free to attend. Martin & Co will be exhibiting at the event and whether you are a local landlord or just in the Birmingham area visiting we shall be pleased to see you at stand 45.

www.landlordshow.info

Martin & Co Continue to Defy the Recession

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:56:31 +0100

Martin & Co's head office has seen yet another addition to its team this week. The company only moved into new headquarters in Bournemouth last year but rapid growth means that the lettings franchisor may need to move again! The latest recruit, Sarah Clayton, takes the number of people to join head office in 2009 to seven, increasing the team size by almost a third!

Sarah had enjoyed rapid promotion with her former employers Goadsby & Harding, joining as a Negotiator in Southampton before being promoted to Senior Negotiator then Manager of their offices in Chandlers Ford & Eastleigh, Hampshire. Sarah has joined Martin & Co in the brand new position of "New Business Trainer" within the Training Academy team.

Sarah felt that she needed a new challenge in her career and that the opportunity presented by the ever growing Martin & Co was too good to miss. "I wanted the chance to pass on my experience to others in the industry and step back from the office front line. I am looking forward to working with franchise owners and their staff, not only on our training courses but also through office visits across the network."

Ian Wilson, Managing Director said "People want careers and not just jobs. Our Training Academy will deliver over 2000 delegate days of training this year to both franchise owners and their staff. Because we provide great training, at convenient regional centres, our franchise owners find it easier to recruit and retain the most talented staff. Sarah will deliver training on new business techniques, and has immediate credibility because of her extensive experience. "