Posted:21-November-2012
Martin & Co franchise celebrates 15th National Conference
Over 200 franchise owners attended the National Conference of award winning lettings business Martin & Co held at the prestigious Whittlebury Hall hotel near Silverstone racetrack on Saturday 17th November.
The theme was innovation and re-invention and as group Managing Director, Ian Wilson commented: “The most extraordinary thing about our business is how it has prospered during the credit crunch and the two recessions of the past 5-years. When other businesses have had to cut back we have launched 97 new businesses since 2007.”
Martin & Co’s 17th year as a franchise brand heralded a year of re-invention – Martin & Co has rebranded and launched a revolutionary estate agency service which charges 0% commission when a property is sold. “In these cash strapped times people are seeking exceptional value for money, and the idea of an estate agency services where you pay a monthly subscription which lets you advertise your property for sale in our shop windows and on the big internet sites including Rightmove is of interest to people serious about selling”.
Martin & Co head office has bought back three of its successful franchises during the year with Worthing completing on Christmas Eve 2011, Bournemouth in February followed by Birmingham Kings Heath 3 months later. Total network size is just under 200 offices/on-line agents across the UK. “Our franchisees know that when they are ready to retire or move on we are interested in buying them out” added Wilson.
Martin & Co has also added a “Landlord Hub” to its business interests which will provide a range of innovative services specifically designed for investor landlords.
Web and IT development has never been low on the agenda with an ambitious roll out plan for Jupix lettings and sales software for the network progressing into 2013, alongside further enhancements for the Martin & Co website including a mobile solution. Digital development will continue in 2013 and beyond.
The online agent franchise model continues to develop (established 18 months ago) with 17 offices trading by January 2013, and the start of 2013 will also see a Scottish logo added to the existing Martin & Co, London and Student Homes brands.
So is 2013 going to bring an opportunity for this ambitious brand builder to relax and catch their breath? “We are in an era of “rental Britain” where one in five households by 2016 – will be privately renting (5.9 million) and paying £70 billion in rent annually” added Wilson, “We are leaders in our field and winners take risks, and we have plenty more bold moves on the Martin & Co horizon.”
The event concluded with an awards ceremony; winners included: Chelsea – Franchisee of the Year; Tonbridge – Best Young Business; Huddersfield – Best Established Business; Witney – Best Business for Growth; Cupar – Best Market Share; Kirkaldy – Best Customer Service.
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