OpinionIntervIew
ofBlockmanagement...We translateourcustomers’ requirementsand facilitatetheservice
LesLey Davis talks to Chris Hills about an innovative business that helps put leaseholders in touch with theright contractorsand takesthe pressure outof modern day propertymanagement and ownership.
Thephrase “I know amanwho can...” could have beenwritten specificallyabout Chris Hills. His company, IntegratedProperty Management (
www.ipmnet.biz) is in the business of knowingavastrange of property professionals, contractorsand tradespeople, whoprovide allthemanagement and maintenance-related services required by residents’management companies, property investors,managing agents andflat owners. Rather than providingany of theseservices itself, the business works as a facilitator, bringing together theend usersand thepeople they need to help theirblocksrun safely and smoothly –effectivelybeing their“outsourced propertymanagement assistant” Based in Hampshire, IPMwas launched
in 2012 in response towhat Chrisperceived as aneed in theleaseholdmarket. With a background in propertymanagement, he waswellaware that therearemany peoplelivinginconverted houses and small blocks of 2-10 flatswhich are self- managing and are constantly re-inventing thewheel as farasarrangingmaintenance works is concerned. Thesesmaller blocks areoften noteconomically viable for propertymanagers and, even if they are, thepeoplelivinginthemare oftenhappy to self-managebecausetheydon’t wantto paymanagement fees split between so few people. “There isawillamongleaseholders to do it themselves,” says Chris, “butwhen it comestofindingreliableand compliant contractors, flatownersoften don’tknow wheretolook,”heexplains. “Staying abreast of current legislation and keeping on top of
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themaintenance and care of the property can be a real burden to leaseholders and freeholderswho just want to enjoy their property without the hassle.” This iswhereIPMcomesin. Providinga
simple, transparent servicewhich is free at pointofcontact,the companyhas developed listsofinsurance brokers, building and maintenancecontractors of allkinds from roofing companiestofire risk assessorsand tradespeoplesuchasplumbers, carpenters and electricians. IPMwill work with the client to source theright person forthe job, obtain andorganisequotesand facilitate theefficient delivery of services fromthe contractor or
supplier.Chris‘s aim is to take the pain outofthe tenderingprocessandmatch thecustomerwiththe rightsupplier.“Weare notafacilitiesmanager,”heexplains, “...we are in the business of creating andmanaging relationships. It’s simple-wejusttakethe legworkout of theprocessandmake it as easy as possible for our clients”. IPMalsohelps keep theprice of worksdown
forits customersbecauseonceacontractor is on thebooks,iftheyprove reliable and professional they will receivenot only initial butrepeatand sustainable
work.Therefore it pays themto keep prices at arealistic rate in order to win future work. Chris estimates that in this wayhecan cut5%-10%offthe priceofacontractfor theend user.“Wethen take afacilitation feefrom thecompany that wins the business so there is no cost to the customer,” he says. It is nowalittleover12monthssince
launchingthe business andChris is optimistic Issue17 Flat Living We’retheBaBelfish
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