Franchise Success Stories
Even after seven years of trading, the Rochdale & Bury office of Martin & Co continues to grow, experiencing incredible 26% growth in turnover during 2011.
Since opening Phil Watson, franchise owner, has developed a well established business and has certainly reaped the rewards in what is clearly a growing sector. Phil has ensured that Martin & Co have kept a sound reputation in the area and is proud that the many of the new instructions his office receives have been on a referral basis from existing landlords happy with the service he and his staff provide.
Phil opened the doors of the Rochdale office in 2006 after a nine year career in the Royal Air Force, followed by several years working within the telecommunications industry in a strategic management role.
During that time Phil invested in a small property portfolio where his interest in the sector developed. Following a number of bad experiences at the hands of local estate agents 'managing' his properties, Phil decided it was time to combine his passion for property and experience of growing a property portfolio to open his own business, one that would specialise in property management and lettings - thus providing landlords in Rochdale and surrounding areas with a professional and knowledgeable alternative.
Although supplied with the business acumen to manage and develop a multimillion pound telecommunications portfolio, Phil did not have direct experience of running a business and decided he needed the support of a franchise model. Martin & Co was able to provide proven systems and processes to grow a successful lettings business. Phil commented “I wanted the support of a national brand and that’s exactly what Martin & Co could offer, as well as the expert dedicated knowledge they provide on the lettings industry”.
Since setting up the business Phil has continued to grow not only his business but also his knowledge and experience in lettings by attending many of the in house Martin & Co training courses. In addition, he has completed the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP), Technical Award in Residential Lettings & Property Management which has enabled his office to become a Licensed Member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). He also recently completed his Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership at Liverpool Hope University proving again that growth is not just about resting on ones laurels, it is about continually striving to be the best through continuous professional development.
