Investment platform Platinum Property Partners has been acquired by a small section of their own network. This quintet of members, namely Paul Watson, Jon Rose, Parminder Dost, Mike Hedgecox and Paul Kutchera, have come together to secure a buyout of the company.
The five franchisees are to invest over a quarter of a million pounds in the Dorset-based business, to secure ‘its future sustainability and success’. Platinum Property Partners (PPP) is a property investment business that enables its network to build a sustainable and profitable portfolio, while providing high-quality and affordable rental accommodation to tenants.
Established in 2007, the franchise network has grown steadily. They currently have almost 400 partners, half of whom are operating in more than 100 towns and cities across the UK. The business comprises of approximately 1,300 shared properties which provides homes for more than 8,000 tenants. With headquarters in Bournemouth, PPP has collectively generated £237m in rental income, and achieved over £43m in capital growth.
The new joint-owners have over 50 years of combined experience within the franchise. As a group, the five have a background that encompasses property and company directorships. They also possess experience in recruitment, training and mentoring of landlords within the network.
These skills will continue to be put to good use, while focusing on the evolution and development of the business itself. Having all developed their own successful PPP portfolios, the new Board of Directors are perfectly placed to provide future franchisees with an added level of confidence.
The announcement of the takeover comes just months after the franchise celebrated its 15th birthday. All head office staff, coaches and mentors are being retained, so that the network will continue to benefit from the specialist knowledge of this experienced team.
Meet The New Partners
Jon Rose has been a franchise partner with Lindsay Ludman since 2010, and has a portfolio of 18 multiple occupancy properties (called HMOs) in Kent. He says: “Having been a longstanding franchise partner, and having helped around 90 franchisees who joined PPP, I have always been passionate about this business and community. PPP has significantly changed Lindsay’s life for the better and mine too. It has given us both financial security for the long term.
“After a period of underinvestment, and with the right ownership structure now in place, I feel that PPP has the opportunity to revitalise itself. The HMO property investment model has proved itself to be a robust one. But as the level of investment needed is high, it is vital not to make mistakes in those early purchases.
“Our aim is to ensure that everyone has support in creating a profitable and sustainable business for the future. This is where the PPP franchise will continue to come into its own. I am confident we can grow the network further.”
Woking-based Paul Watson joined the franchise in 2014, and runs the business in partnership with his wife Carol. He says: “Prior to joining PPP, I had an international corporate career that brought with it plenty of stress, strain and politics. We wanted to run our own business, but also be part of a community in which people support each other.
“Joining PPP has changed our lives. It has educated us, while elevating our understanding of business and developing our skills on property investment, property development, property management and family financial planning. We’ve also learned how to run a business day-to-day. These skills are not easy to learn without being part of a franchise that operates a solid learning structure. This provides support throughout a franchisee’s journey from day one.
“We have now acquired PPP to develop this even further. There are many challenges facing the private rented sector, not least the possible abolishment of discussions around council tax banding and rent controls, along with ongoing legislative and tax changes.
“We will be at the forefront of helping our franchise community navigate these challenges so that their property businesses are optimised in every way. The HMO market has certainly changed in the decade since we joined the franchise. The new team will evolve our model to make it even more relevant for the next decade.”
Mike and Clare Hedgecox purchased their Oxfordshire territory in 2014, with Mike saying: “Joining PPP with my wife has been a life-changing decision. We have achieved the freedom that was simply not possible in the corporate world. We have made many new friends and joined a truly inspiring community.
“I firmly believe in giving back and helping others. My motivation, regarding the next stage of PPP’s evolution, is to ensure we help change peoples’ lives for the better through our unique support programme for new business partners. We want to continue to provide high-quality and safe accommodation for young people, and make a difference to the communities in which we live.”
Parminder Dost joined the franchise 11 years ago and has a property portfolio in Hertfordshire. He says: “Joining PPP was the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s been a stimulating journey. I have learned a lot and have reached a financial position where I have the independence to choose what to do next.
“I see a great opportunity to build an even better and thriving PPP community. We must continue to innovate, so that we overcome the changing needs of the current market and business environment.”
Paul Kutchera joined the franchise in 2013, and is another network member who is in partnership with his wife Emma. Their property portfolio is in Orpington, Kent and Paul says: “It has been a life-changing experience for us. The financial stability and freedom we’ve gained has allowed us to do so much more for our family. But what’s even more rewarding is being part of the PPP community. It is something bigger than just making money.
“I’m thrilled to welcome new partners into our wonderful community. The team is dedicated to supporting its franchise partners and providing them with all the tools and resources they need. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us and for the franchise as a whole.”
About Platinum Property Partners:
PPP has a tried, tested and trusted system that maximises rental income from buy-to-let shared housing for young professionals. Its model generates much higher returns than traditional buy-to-let rental properties and produces a lifelong income stream that replaces or supplements a salary.
Partners are trained by a team of 30 property investment experts who equip new franchisees with the knowledge and skills needed to build their own business. This includes:
- Pinpointing locations and identifying properties that will generate the greatest return;
- Create more rooms within properties to maximise rental income;
- Design properties that attract young professionals;
- Install business structures that are as tax-efficient as possible;
- Use a growing portfolio to fund future growth.
As the world’s first property investment franchise, PPP has been a full member of the British Franchise Association (BFA) since 2012.
