Three family businesses have merged to create one of Derbyshire’s largest independent property brands, cope&co. Husband and wife team, Daren and Susan Cope, alongside their son and daughter James and Annie, are bringing their two estate agencies, James Cope Homes and Amber Homes, under the same roof as their residential,
Odevo, the fast growing international property management group, strengthens its UK presence as The Vegner Group joins. The move takes Odevo’s homes under management globally to over one million. The Vegner Group is the fifth company joining Odevo this year across Europe and the US. Vegner Group Limited is
Research by Warwick Estates reveals that the UK’s property management services industry is on track to have a market value of more than £30 billion by 2025 as a pandemic slump makes way for consecutive years of steady growth. The property management services industry covers all businesses that provide third-party
Both bodies say the two property management organisations together will create a more united and stronger voice as leasehold reform looms. The UK’s two most high-profile property management bodies The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and The Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) are to merge. Both organisations want to establish
SHEFFIELD property management specialist Omnia Property Group is continuing to work with national safety organisations to ensure the safety of all its national portfolio of properties in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Omnia team – accredited members of the Association of Residential Managing Agents – have been
Crabtree is delighted to announce Crabtree’s Business Development Manager – Kieran Clarke Kieran has been in the property industry for over 8 years and is AIRPM qualified. During his career he has gained experience in block, estate, facilities, and AST management, as well as investment both in the UK and
Bellharbour’s is delighted to announce Business Development Associate Director – Katie Barlow Katie joins Bellharbour as a new Associate Director in charge of business development. She comes from Rendall & Rittner and Harrods Estates Asset Management where she was Associate Director of Commercial Property and Associate Director of Operations respectively.
Leading managing agent, Rendall & Rittner has appointed Sarah Williams as Area Director to oversee property management across one of their London divisions. An experienced residential property management professional, Sarah has specialised in the block management sector for over 16 years. She joins the company from Warwick Estates where she
SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you
WORCESTER-based Mainstay Group has appointed a new Managing Director, following a period of planned and sustained growth. The full-service property management company has brought on Andy Billson to head up its residential property management arm of the business. Andy joins the Group from residential giant Barratt Homes, where as Managing
Three family businesses have merged to create one of Derbyshire’s largest independent property brands, cope&co. Husband and wife team, Daren and Susan Cope, alongside their son and daughter James and Annie, are bringing their two estate agencies, James Cope Homes and Amber Homes, under the same roof as their residential, sales and property letting business, Professional Properties. It is the first time the company, which has its HQ in Canterbury House on Stephensons Way, has undertaken a major merger and rebrand since it launched nearly 25 years ago. James, the company’s Sales Director, and Annie, who is Operations Director, will be taking a much more prominent role moving forward after dedicating their time to Professional Properties, James Cope Homes and the recently acquired Amber Homes in Alfreton. Susan Cope, the company’s Managing Director, said it was time for the family-run business to reflect on a key milestone in its own history, blend the trio of successful businesses and celebrate the company’s growth. She said: “We want to bring all the strings of our business together and now is the time to do it. Daren and I have worked tirelessly to build the company and we decided that coming together, under one brand, was the way to progress. “Family means everything to us, and we are proud that James and Annie will work as hard as us to grow cope&co. “What they are achieving is phenomenal and we can’t wait to continue celebrating their successes.” The new cope&co brand launches this month with an exciting new website and look and feel, which will become a regular sight across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. Under its new identity cope&co is one of the largest independent letting and estate agents in the local area offering bespoke lettings and property management services, residential sales, as well as selling current investment properties to investors. A new block management service will also be launching next January as part of the exciting new merger. Marketing Derby Bondholders, Daren and Susan Cope launched Professional Properties almost 25 years ago and started from a small office in Derby’s Old Blacksmith Yard, just off Sadler Gate. The business rapidly grew as the couple ploughed their time and energy into building one of Derby’s most successful businesses within the property industry. Susan said: “As the business developed, we moved around to accommodate the growth in staff. It soon became clear that our customers liked the way we worked, and we became business leaders in lettings and property management. “Right now, we are one of the largest, independent letting agents in the area and I think it’s because we are so passionate about what we do. “We have strong family values, and every member of the team works in the same way. James and Annie, share our ethos and drive and they are hugely knowledgeable in the property sector.” The business has already launched its new website at www.copeandco.co.uk and will celebrate its official launch with an open day early in January, 2024. Daren, the company’s Finance Director, said: “Our new brand is a reflection of our amazing journey so far as a family, but it also marks our aspiration to continue growing as a business. “We are proud of our family name – so why not celebrate it? “It has been a real team effort. We are delighted with the outcome, and we now welcome people to cope&co, the new name in property in Derbyshire.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Odevo, the fast growing international property management group, strengthens its UK presence as The Vegner Group joins. The move takes Odevo’s homes under management globally to over one million. The Vegner Group is the fifth company joining Odevo this year across Europe and the US. Vegner Group Limited is a leading residential property management group in the UK managing over 100,000 homes with nationwide reach across 20 office sites. Vegner specialises in Residents Management Company (“RMC”) clients, bringing further expertise and specialism to the Odevo Group range of competences. The group also has unique proprietary accounting software and incorporates a high-performing tech team. Odevo is on a mission to become the leading force within the residential property management industry by leveraging the combined power of people and technology. The Vegner Group are the fourth business in the UK to join Odevo, following Rendall & Rittner, Premier Estates and Trinity Property Group, further strengthening Odevo’s footprint across the UK. Odevo has grown more than 30 times in just four years and is now home to over 5,000 employees with an annual revenue of close to 300 million GBP. Odevo has a unique approach to building a leading international group by empowering strong teams and companies while creating value across the group. By being part of the group, these companies can leverage their strengths and expertise while benefiting from the collective resources and support of Odevo in areas such as technology, financial services, human resources, and compliance, to mention a few. This approach results in substantial buying power, technical and operational resources which are of considerable value to clients, helping them to navigate the increasingly complex world of property management on a cost-effective basis. “Both The Vegner Group and Odevo have a shared ambition to develop people, deliver excellent performance to clients, and push the boundaries of the property management industry. By joining forces with Odevo, The Vegner Group will gain from extended pooled resourcing across multiple areas of our operation as well as best-in-class technology solutions, and pass those benefits on to our customers along with continuing to build upon existing alliances with our business partners. We look forward to working in close collaboration to deliver an industry-leading service together.” remarked Alec Guthrie, CEO of The Vegner Group. “The Vegner Group is a leading property management operator in the UK, and we are delighted to welcome them to Odevo. Vegner will bring a high penetration of ancillary services and market leading expertise to the Odevo UK range of competences. With The Vegner Group joining Odevo, it will give us an even stronger presence in the UK market and in turn mean we now have over 5,000 colleagues serving over one million homes across Europe and North America as we continue our ambitious expansion plans.” said Odevo CEO Daniel Larsson. Odevo plans to continue its strong growth journey, both organically and by attracting additional companies to join the group. This approach has secured leading positions in Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States in just a few years. The company has greatly increased its investment in technology and digital transformation and now employs close to 100 software engineers developing bespoke industry solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Research by Warwick Estates reveals that the UK’s property management services industry is on track to have a market value of more than £30 billion by 2025 as a pandemic slump makes way for consecutive years of steady growth. The property management services industry covers all businesses that provide third-party or outsourced services to oversee the management and maintenance of property, as well as tenant relations, on behalf of owners or landlords. Today, the industry is made up of 22,245 businesses employing 309,172 members of staff, combining to generate a market value of £27.7 billion. This value represents an increase of 5.3% since last year but still isn’t enough to bring market value back to where it was prior to the pandemic. The current market remains -4.9% down on 2019 when its value peaked at £29.1 billion, but there needn’t be too much cause for concern because today’s value is still 26.8% higher than it was a decade ago. Furthermore, projected figures suggest that 2022’s start towards post-pandemic recovery is paving the way for at least three years of continuous market growth culminating in 2025 when the property management services industry is expected to be worth £30.4 billion; a 9.8% increase on today’s value. If this comes to fruition, it will mean that the market reaches a higher value that at any other point in the past decade, including its pre-pandemic peak of 2019. Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
Both bodies say the two property management organisations together will create a more united and stronger voice as leasehold reform looms. The UK’s two most high-profile property management bodies The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and The Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) are to merge. Both organisations want to establish a ‘united and stronger’ voice for the industry at a time when managing agents and property management professionals face unprecedented changes and as leaseholder reform legislation begins to make its way through Parliament. The proposal will be subject to approval by members at each organisation’s upcoming general meetings. ARMA executive chair Nigel Glen says the bodies have worked together on a wide range of topics including the building safety crisis, mental health and wellbeing in the sector and regulatory reform. Nigel claims a merged organisation would give it greater power and enable it to support both managing agent firms and professional individuals. “Combining our resources, data and expertise allows us to more effectively support our membership through guidance and business support, raise standards through enhanced professional qualifications, multi-channel training and ongoing professional development opportunities, and provide a more influential and representative voice to our ongoing government and stakeholder engagement,” says Glen. If approved, the two organisations and their respective secretariat teams would come together before the end of the year and the two brands would be retained for a period of time under the new organisation. This is similar to when landlord organisations NLA and the RLA joined forces recently. It is proposed that IRPM boss Andrew Bulmer would become CEO of the new organisation, while Glen would become the executive chair of the new board.
SHEFFIELD property management specialist Omnia Property Group is continuing to work with national safety organisations to ensure the safety of all its national portfolio of properties in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Omnia team – accredited members of the Association of Residential Managing Agents – have been actively engaged with ARMA-led seminars and with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Building Safety programme about the revised compliance framework introduced by new regulations and the potential impact they would have on leaseholders and landlords. And the company has established a dedicated External Façades Working Group, consisting of qualified residential property managers and building surveyors, to ensure that any properties that Omnia manages have non-compliance issues progressed in a safe, timely and professional manner. The Grenfell Tower tragedy unfolded on June 14 2017 when a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in Kensington, London, resulting in 72 deaths and more than 70 injuries. The disaster was the worst UK residential fire since the Second World War and a subsequent public inquiry found that the building’s exterior did not comply with regulations and was the central reason why the fire spread with such devastating consquences. The Omnia Property Group works across all areas of the property market including block and commercial property management, offices, student accommodation, residential lettings and facilities management. Its portfolio includes the management of 1,000,000 square feet of office space, 1,500 residential properties and student beds across the UK and more than 1,800 block management units – more than £650,000,000 worth of property in total. “The emerging focus on exterior wall safety in the wake of Grenfell has created a further challenge for landlords and asset owners in a market already subject to high levels of fluctuation and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Managing Director Joanne Race. “When the government released the Building Safety Advice for Building Owners Guidance in January 2020, it was interpreted throughout industry as mandating that a building’s exterior wall systems must be compliant with regulations. “A subsequent consequence of the guidance’s release has seen mortgage lenders and surveyors raise safety concerns about buildings during the sales process, rendering some apartments and even entire buildings as unsellable without remedial works being undertaken.” The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) designed and issued the External Wall System form (EWS1) as a mechanism to remove such barriers to transactions, whilst providing all parties with assurances that the building had been appropriately reviewed and was deemed safe for occupation and use. An EWS1 form can only be completed by a suitably qualified, professional surveyor and usually only after extensive surveys are undertaken of the building to determine if the cladding, materials, and construction methods are safe and compliant. The government has made available £3.5 billion to help fund work on unsafe exterior wall systems on high-rise buildings where they have been identified as non-compliant with the new regulatory framework. “We have been able to liaise with our clients to facilitate required surveys, well in advance of other operators within the industry,” said Joanne “Buildings within our managed portfolio that may be impacted by the new regulatory framework are already well advanced with ensuring their compliance with the new guidance and, where appropriate, funding applications to the government in anticipation of any required remedial works. “As part of our commitment to ensuring our client’s assets have their value protected and maintain compliance, we have been working alongside national leaders in cladding remedial works to familiarise ourselves with emerging industry best practice and ensure that the advice we provide clients is current and relevant. “Working alongside the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we have also maintained diligent and straightforward communication with our landlords and their tenants during this process. “The penalties and indirect negative impact on valuation that non-compliance with the new guidance and revised regulatory framework can impose on landlords are substantial. “But Omnia is now well positioned to advise clients on the impact of these new regulations and how best to navigate their requirements to protect the value of your asset, ensure its compliance and maintain its safety.”
Crabtree is delighted to announce Crabtree’s Business Development Manager – Kieran Clarke Kieran has been in the property industry for over 8 years and is AIRPM qualified. During his career he has gained experience in block, estate, facilities, and AST management, as well as investment both in the UK and overseas. Kieran started his career in property in 2013 as a property manager for Atlantis Estates. He was promoted to Regional Manager and then to Sales/Relationship Director looking after all current clients and obtaining new business and working with developers. In 2017 Kieran moved to Spain and co-started a property sales, lettings and property management company. Initially focussing on Spain, he then branched out to sales and developments in the USA and a development attached to a hotel in Costa Rica. He was also involved in hotel investment/sales in Morocco and Mauritius. Kieran moved back to the UK in 2019 and assisted in the setup of all company/HR/HSE and facilities management for a portfolio of pub/restaurants. In late 2020 he joined Leaders as Head of Property Management, looking after a team in Cambridge. With Kieran on board, and with his diverse range of experience we see future growth for the business within the London block management sector. Crabtree is an established Managing agent with over 35 years serving the property industry.
Bellharbour’s is delighted to announce Business Development Associate Director – Katie Barlow Katie joins Bellharbour as a new Associate Director in charge of business development. She comes from Rendall & Rittner and Harrods Estates Asset Management where she was Associate Director of Commercial Property and Associate Director of Operations respectively. She is bringing with her 20 years of experience in Real Estate as a vital member of those Property Management teams. Katie has managed a large number of fund management, private and overseas clients with a mixed-use and nationwide portfolio. Significant managements for Katie have been the HSBC Tower and One Cabot Square in Canary Wharf, One Blackfriars, Holland Green, 77 Mayfair and One Tower Bridge. Key corporate clients have included the Qatari Investment Authority, Harrods, British Land and St George. With Katie on board, we see future growth for the business within the high-end block management sector. With the combined expertise across the team, the more elite developments in central London receive a unique and personal style of management. Bellharbour was launched as a trading name of Crabtree Property in 2020 to serve London’s finest high-end apartment blocks. Katie will be integral to the team’s expected growth in 2021.
Leading managing agent, Rendall & Rittner has appointed Sarah Williams as Area Director to oversee property management across one of their London divisions. An experienced residential property management professional, Sarah has specialised in the block management sector for over 16 years. She joins the company from Warwick Estates where she was an Associate Director responsible for five regional offices. Prior to that she worked for RMG, where she worked her way up gaining experience across the business. Sarah’s focus at Rendall & Rittner will be running the teams that look after a number of the company’s property clients, ensuring the highest levels of service delivery. Rendall & Rittner’s portfolio of almost 80,000 units nationwide includes some of London’s most prestigious new developments and Sarah’s Central London division spans the full range of development types from large mixed-use schemes and high-rise towers to traditional mansion blocks. Commenting on her new role Sarah says: “Rendall & Rittner has an outstanding reputation and an excellent mix of clients, so I am delighted to join the team. Good customer service is at the heart of Rendall & Rittner’s promise to their clients and it is something I am passionate about. I’m looking forward to working with the property managers and on-site teams to look after the interests and safety of residents.” Richard Daver, Managing Director of Rendall & Rittner comments: “We are very pleased to welcome Sarah to Rendall & Rittner. Her depth of experience in the property management industry will be a huge asset and her appointment is part of our strategy of strengthening the business by employing the very best people as we continue to grow.” For more information on Rendall & Rittner please visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk.
SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you aren’t sure what’s involved, here’s our guide to what it is and how it works: A quick introduction to leasehold Leasehold flats can be in purpose-built blocks, in converted houses or above commercial or retail premises. A leasehold usually includes everything within the four walls of a flat, down to the floorboards and plaster on the walls and ceilings. The freeholder usually owns the building, including the common parts (eg corridors, entrance way), the structure (eg roof, windows) and the land it stands on. The freeholder is, normally, responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building. If so, the costs for doing so are recoverable through the service charges and billed to the leaseholders. The freeholder or resident management company usually appoint a managing agent to manage their block. What are service charges? Service charges are payments by the leaseholder to the landlord for all the services the landlord provides. Details of what can (and cannot) be charged by the landlord and the proportion of the charge to be paid by the individual leaseholder will all be set out in the lease. What is block management? Block management is the process of managing the communal areas of residential properties through the service charge. Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management involves constant communication with various contractors in respect of maintenance and repairs, insurance of the building and, in some cases, provision of central heating, lifts, porterage, estate staff, lighting and cleaning of common areas. It also requires a good understanding of legislation and leasehold matters, preparation of budgets and annual accounts, as well as routine inspections to check that the property is in good order. A major part of a role in block management is ensuring that the landlord and leaseholders get value for money for their service charge payments, and the building is maintained in accordance with the terms of the lease. SDL Property Partners is a franchise network which enables you to become a managing agent and offer block management as part of your services. In a nutshell, we’ll get you up and running, providing training, support and back office systems. If you’re looking for a new opportunity and block management sounds like it could be for you, get in touch with our team. If you wish to find out more about getting your property managed by the experts, please visit – https://sdlpropertymanagement.co.uk/contact-us/
WORCESTER-based Mainstay Group has appointed a new Managing Director, following a period of planned and sustained growth. The full-service property management company has brought on Andy Billson to head up its residential property management arm of the business. Andy joins the Group from residential giant Barratt Homes, where as Managing Director, he was responsible for introducing an in-house property management service – Barratt Residential Asset Management – from 2012, until its successful sale in March 2019. At the time, it was the first developer outside of the retirement sector to launch such a service. Prior to that, he held various operational roles during his 21-year career with the Peverel Group, including setting up its specialised mixed-use brand consort. In his new role at Mainstay, Andy will report in to Group Managing Director Luke Sanders, and will work alongside his predecessor, Gary Crook, who has a new role as Managing Director for New Ventures. Luke Sanders, Group Managing Director at Mainstay, said: “Andy’s appointment comes at a fitting time for Mainstay Group, as our residential part of the business continues to flourish and develop. “To have secured someone as knowledgeable and high-profile as Andy is testament not only to our past track record, but to our bright, exciting future. “His passion for innovation in real estate and his 29 years of experience in the sector are exactly why we hired him, as we look to drive forward our corporate strategy and enhance our offering.” Andy added: “Mainstay is committed to best-in-class customer experience and remaining on the cutting edge of property management – values which very much align with my own. “With that in mind, I’m delighted to be joining the team and playing a key role in helping to shape the direction the business goes in throughout this next period of growth.” Established in 2000, Mainstay was founded by Glyn Miles, Graham Donaldson and Andrew Tilly. The business now manages in excess of 80,000 homes across the UK, and headcount stands at 726. This year alone, Mainstay is on track to turnover a record-breaking £25.9 million in line with their 2020 corporate strategy. www.mainstaygroup.co.uk
