The Belvoir Network

Over the years Belvoir has grown dramatically with 160 offices throughout the UK, some of which have been trading for over 15 years. Our offices are owned and managed by local people but have the advantage of being part of a nationally recognised brand, operating under a successful business model. As a new Belvoir franchise owner, this is what will help set you apart from the competition.

Belvoir became the first specialist residential lettings agency to launch on AIM of the London Stock Exchange in February 2012, which allows for ambitious expansion plans throughout the network and enable franchise owners to complete acquisitions within their locality.

Belvoir was founded in 1995 by Mike Goddard and his wife Stephanie in Lincolnshire, adapting Mike’s RAF values into a lettings agency built on customer service, professionalism and specialism. Mike is currently Executive Chairman of Belvoir and spent three years as Chairman of the British Franchise Association (bfa), cementing his enthusiasm for fair franchising within the UK.

The Belvoir Opportunity

We understand that choosing the right franchise opportunity for you can be a lengthy process, so we aim to give you as much information as possible at our interviews. The only investment you will put in at this stage is your time.

You will receive a list of contact details for all of our franchise owners, so you may contact whomever you wish to discover the real opportunity available. We will also discuss the viability of your opportunity, such as possible territories and considering your plans for growth in the future, whether you are starting your Belvoir office in a fresh territory or considering a resale opportunity.

When you join Belvoir, you will become a member of our business family and, when you need it, you can enjoy the support and guidance of everyone else within the network.

“We work for each other, for the benefit of all of us.” Terry Lucking of Belvoir Peterborough and Cambridge

Training and Support

As you do not need to have previous experience in the property industry, just an interest, you will need to attend our intensive three week training course. This course discusses everything, from marketing to legalities, to ensure you have the best possible foundations for your business. Following that, you have access to your own business development mentor, our franchise support team and various ongoing training courses. You will have the chance to become the local Buy to Let specialist, which can really differentiate you in this buoyant market.

“Renting as a lifestyle choice is going to increase and if people have a good experience they keep using Belvoir.” Simon Bell of Belvoir Telford

Being part of a recognised and reputable brand will help you hit the ground running, and give your business the very best chance of growing and succeeding during that crucial first year and beyond. Belvoir has been named Lettings Franchise of the Year in 2010, 2012 and 2013, and our network achieved Best Large Chain in 2013 at the Estate and Letting Agent Awards.

Premises and Marketing

Our premises team will work with you to find the perfect office to meet your budget and requirements, in the best location. The design has been carefully developed to enhance the landlord and tenant experience, with a contemporary and distinctive finish.

“My competitors are quite aggressive in their marketing and I think this new office definitely helps to set me apart, and at a higher level than them.” Martin Unsworth of Belvoir Liverpool South

Although you will be running your own local Belvoir office, you will also be part of a national company with a powerful corporate brand and can benefit from the many marketing initiatives that are constantly being developed on your behalf.

Case study

Daniel Bourke and Zara Stewart are a father and daughter team that co-own Belvoir Dunstable. Prior to this Daniel worked as an architectural assistant and IT manager for a leading London-based architectural practice where he worked on prestigious commercial projects.

Why franchising?

“After 21 years of working in architecture and IT I was ready for a new challenge and decided to look for a business opportunity where I could work for myself,” recalls Daniel. “I recognised that lettings was a growth business and even started a small trial run of working from home as an agent whilst still in my other job, but soon realised that wouldn’t work. I began to research franchise opportunities and one day noticed an advertisement for a Belvoir Discovery Seminar in London’s King’s Cross. I went along and met the recruitment team and spoke to franchise owners Luke Mason from Hitchin and Paul Harten from Harlow and I became convinced that a Belvoir franchise would work for me.

“I recognised lettings as an evolving market and believed that success was dependant on a highly professional approach. Being part of the Belvoir network has been a brilliant springboard to success.”

At just 22 years of age Daniel’s daughter, Zara is one of the youngest franchisees in the Belvoir network, but her youth has proved no barrier to ambition.

“My research exposed how lacking some other companies were, even though they professed to be experts in their field,” says Zara. “There was obviously a demand for a straight-forward, highly professional agent in Dunstable and the Belvoir name helps us to deliver this.”

Daniel’s daughter Zara graduated from Edge Hill University in Liverpool and when her father invited her to join him as a co-franchise owner at Belvoir Dunstable she jumped at the chance.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me and I was encouraged by knowing that a great many successful Belvoir franchisees also started out young,” she says.

Success to date

“It was a very interesting first year,” says Daniel. “When you open a business for the first time there is a lot to learn, and it’s good to have the franchise support team available to help – particularly over legal matters. I am enjoying being part of a franchise and you do develop a bond with the people you did the induction course with. It’s also nice to get to know people that start after you so that you can share your experiences and offer them some advice.

“The first year flew by and although it’s been hard work we have enjoyed it. We are now beginning to get referrals from landlords that have recommended us, which is nice.”

Future goals

Daniel and Zara aim to manage over 100 properties within three years. “At present we are working to establish a firm foundation for the business and become firmly rooted in the town as a business that people can trust,” says Daniel.

Daniel and Zara were delighted to have their efforts recognised when they won the title of New Business of the Year at the Dunstable Business and Community Awards 2013.

Dorian Gonsalves, director of commercial and franchising at Belvoir, welcomes Daniel and Zara, commenting, “They have achieved so much in their first year. Family run businesses often do well because clients feel safe in the hands of a close-knit team so I have no doubt our first office to open in Dunstable will do very well in the future.”

For more information about how you can become a part of the Belvoir network, please visit www.belvoirfranchise.com, email franchising@belvoirlettings.com or call 01476 570 000.