Record-breaking year for Martin & Co franchisees

A record year so far in 2011 for Martin & Co has resulted in 23 new franchisees plus an extra 8,000 more rental properties on the books.

The news was given to over 200 franchise owners who attended the Martin & Co National Conference and Awards ceremony in Warwickshire on Saturday.
 
Managing director Ian Wilson told them: “We are very fortunate people indeed because every year has been a record year for us, for 16 consecutive years since we started franchising.

“We expected tough trading conditions in 2011 but in fact 23 new franchise owners have joined the brand, and of 22,000 lettings achieved so far this year, 8,000 are properties that we have never let before.

“Our investment in the website and 21st-century online technology is really paying dividends, and we will finish the year with our managed portfolio pushing toward 26,000.”

This year, Martin & Co has introduced an ‘On-line Agent’ model which permits a new franchise to be set up in serviced offices or suitable home premises.

“It has proved very popular,” said franchise director Scott Burgess. “Since launch on July 1, we have brought 13 On-line Agents into the brand.”

Also attending the event were directors of Sargents lettings in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, who have recently converted their business into the Martin & Co brand.

Wilson said: “The appeal for existing lettings competitors joining Martin & Co is that they immediately benefit from our web presence and the support of a national-class head office team of experts whilst maintaining local control over their business.” 

The event concluded with an awards ceremony. Winners included:
 
Folkestone, Most Successful Young Business
Nottingham City, Most Successful Established Business
Croydon, Fastest Growing Business
Crewe & Nantwich, Local Market Leader
Portsmouth & Southsea, Best Client Retention