Property Investment Franchise From Platinum Property Partners

Figures for enquiries show a 500% increase between March ‘08 and March ‘09 and a 70% growth in attendance at PPP franchise workshops. This trend reflects that reported in the 2008 NatWest/bfa survey, published at the start of this year, which showed franchising economic contribution to growth at nearly five times that of the national GDP growth (15% economic growth in franchising against a 3.1% GDP growth).

Further investigation by PPP into the backgrounds, lifestyles and aspirations of enquirers shows just how hard the recession is impacting on career professionals. The majority come from corporate backgrounds and while some have been made redundant, others have simply become disillusioned with the level of future security and opportunities open to them if they remain on their current career path, or have made the decision to step away from high-profile positions in order to improve their quality of life.

This reflects the backgrounds of those already in the franchise, which is made up of a broad spectrum of high-calibre individuals.  Current Franchise Partners (PPP’s term for Franchisees) include the former worldwide Finance Director for the Norwich Union group, a physiotherapist, a Harley Street psychiatrist, a solicitor, a former estate agent, and the former European Central Services Director for Coca Cola Enterprises,

Neil Mansell (30) was working in a dead-end job as a business development manager in the City three years ago. He launched his own property investment franchise with PPP and now earns over £130,000 a year gross profit from twelve buy to let properties. “On the one hand I can’t believe how far I’ve come in such a relatively short space of time, but, then again, you definitely get out what you put in, and I have put in a lot of time and effort  to make my business work,” says Neil, who is about to complete on his thirteenth property purchase.

Opting to run your own business following redundancy or for lifestyle reasons carries significant risks, especially during an economic recession. However, franchising traditionally flourishes in difficult times as people decide to buy into a proven business model and business support from the franchisor. Platinum Property Partners founders, Steve Bolton and Nick Carlile, use their considerable experience and passion for training and mentoring to guide investors like Neil Mansell in what can be a complex market sector.

“We are advising a growing number of people who have cash reserves and some business experience but major questions about where to invest those reserves,” says Steve Bolton. “They need an annual income but also want to retain the value of their investment. We have worked hard, and applied our expertise to make sure the PPP franchise provides a robust core property investment model, unaffected even by falls in capital values. I think this accounts in part for the busy year we are having.”

PPP run regular events for Franchise Partners as well as the Platinum Wealth Workshops which tackle the major issues around UK and overseas property investing.