As well as holding two National Workshops a year, where all Platinum Property Partners can come together, network and learn, we also hold quarterly regional workshops across six locations.
These provide our franchise partners with the perfect opportunity to get additional support and advice on their buy-to-let property portfolios that is more relevant to their local investment area, and to socialise with each other on a regular basis.
Last week, the first of this year's regional workshops took place in Ashton-under-Lyne, Derby, London, Farnham and Spa, Bristol and St Albans.
On the agenda was an update from Head Office, which included upcoming dates for educational webinars on planning, lettings and innovative ways to use DocuSign. Key Performance Indicators from across the professional landlord network were also shared as well as information from specialist lenders on mortgage and business rates.
Case studies play a key role at regional workshops too and this month, franchise partners from the Cheltenham area told how they had purchased a part-commercial property for conversion into an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) and studio apartment. They have also obtained planning for a self-build HMO on land at the rear of the plot.
External speakers also presented in some regions. In the north region, a representative from Jelf Insurance attended to highlight the features and benefits of an exclusive product only available to Platinum Property Partners and in the south west and central east regions, Jonathan Stein of Vaboo explained how his housemate retention and reward scheme worked.
Tracey Woods of Landlord Smart also attended the south west regional workshop in Bristol to talk about her business that offers ready to rent items to lease.
In London, which has an HMO market of its own, Freya Davison from SpareRoom.co.uk gave an update on recent analysis they had done amongst landlords and tenants in the region.
Chris Tapp, regional coach for the south east region, said: "It is pleasing to now see a regular group of up to 40 franchise partners coming to our workshop consistently each time. More importantly, they genuinely look forward to joining in with the discussions and sharing and they contribute positively more and more to the benefit of the group. Paul Cronin and I have built this quarterly process into a good 'double act', and together, we are pleased with the progress we have made together - long may it continue!"
Regional coach for the central east region, Alex Glass, added: "It's a great opportunity to get together in a smaller group and discuss hot topics, challenges and share successes. The agenda varies, but we like the meeting to be as interactive as possible, breaking up into smaller groups for detailed discussions. There is also plenty of time for networking which is always very popular."
Simon Whelan, regional coach in the midlands, concluded: "I place these regional meetings at the top of the pyramid in terms of value and interaction. National workshops provide tips for strategy and long-term vision but regional workshops are more practical and location-specific, making the day to day running of our property businesses more streamlined. We're a happy bunch and enjoy getting together."
