Member Article

Bringing the "butler" business model to London

The London Management Company, backed by Dragons’ Den star James Caan, is looking to bring the “butler“ business model to London. Here, founder and managing director, Rupert Collingwood, takes Bdaily behind the business.

What did you identify as the key challenges you faced in launching a company in your sector?

The property management sector in London has not changed its modus operandifor decades. We wanted to go the extra mile and create a brand new kind of all inclusive service. London is a city with global appeal, attracting the successful and the wealthy; they demand a five star property management service and deserve nothing less. The London Management Company will lead the market in providing this kind of service.

What is the unique selling point for your company?

We were inspired by the attention to detail and a willingness to go beyond the call of duty that would be expected of an excellent English butler! The London Management Company will provide a fully tailored property and lifestyle management service for private clients, institutional investors and landlords.

What is your biggest focus for the coming year?

We have to start by setting the London Management Company apart from the hundreds of other property management concerns with a focus on real-time communication, five-star service and an innovative use of technology.

Tenants of properties managed by us will soon be able to interact with landlords on a range of matters through a simple app, streamlining the way households manage mundane everyday chores. Social media will be used in fun and engaging ways to promote the brand and to engage with customers.

If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out a business, or is currently operating in your industry sector, what would it be?

It is essential that your company is sufficiently capitalised at the launch date to be able to achieve your stated goals. You can only have one shot at making a first impression on the market and not being able to provide your stated services can prove disastrous. The London Management Company was lucky enough to received investment from Hamilton Bradshaw Real Estate (HBRE); the property focused venture capital vehicle chaired by serial entrepreneurs James Caan and Faisal Butt.

HBRE are property sector specialists and their other investments include investment management company 90 North, interior design specialists Accouter Design and residential agency Ivy Gate. We knew that each of these companies to be innovative disrupters within their own space.

Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in your region or generally, and where your organization sits with in it?

The property management sector in London is obviously huge and constantly growing. Our aim is to become the market leader in providing totally comprehensive management services throughout the whole sector. From private house or flat through to block or tenancy management. We have a passion for delivering a quality, unparalleled service and with support and guidance from HBRE we are certain that we will be able to change the face of property management in London.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .