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QF Focus Magazine
Pat focuses on the faces behind our Local Businesses Stuart Markham – OP Group
Originally from London, Stuart moved to Spain in 2006 with his wife Sam and in-laws to start a business.
Along with his father-in-law Steve Austen, they bought their first office in La Marina in June 2006 which Sam now manages. They have since added 2 more offices, one in Gran Alacant which they opened in 2007 and is managed by Steve, and the one that Stuart manages in La Finca, Algorfa which they bought in 2009. They chose this area to live and start a business because of the popularity with ex-pats, the climate, the nearby beaches and the excellent environment. OP Group started with both short and long term rentals and property management, and then in 2011 they branched out and started to sell properties as well. Because of the vicinity of their offices, they are able to sell properties from Gran Alacant down to Murcia. The offices have gone from strength to strength over the years, and because of this, they expanded the business further in 2013 with OP Cars- car rental, which is proving extremely popular, not just with their clients, but with other holiday makers as well. There is a fleet of 25 cars and vans ranging from 3-7 seaters and clients can be picked up
at the airport or they can collect a car from their rental property or one of the offices. The property management side has continued to be very popular due to their competitive rates, and because of this they now have large companies who book rental accommodation for a whole year so their staff has somewhere to stay when they are in Spain. Clients often seek information from the staff at OP Group and one question that was constantly being asked was where can you find English books to read while we on holiday? Stuart decided to start a book table where he sells 2nd hand books from the La Finca office to raise money for charity with the total amount collected at the end of 2015 being 200€. OP Group employ 14 people in their 3 offices and also sub contract cleaners, electricians, painters and decorators and maintenance staff to keep all their rental properties in good order. They also have use of architects and solicitors. A wide range of languages are spoken by their staff including English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch and Italian. Stuart now lives in San Fulgencio which is ideally situated for all 3 offices, and his daughter Ellie who was born here in 2007, attends the local Spanish school. Stuart has made many friends since arriving in Spain, some started off as clients but due to his friendly manner and his enthusiasm, they have become very good friends. Please see advert below for contact details for OP Group.
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