Simon & Anna Mackaness, Northampton

Simon and Anna Mackaness are PPP Franchise Partners based in Northampton.  Since they joined in July 2007, the couple have bought 7 UK buy to let properties, with 43 rental units, which generate a gross yield of over 15%, an industry-leading level for residential buy to let.  The annual gross profit from this portfolio – after they have paid the mortgage, all utility and other bills, and allowing for maintenance and void periods – is around £100,000 and the gross return on their own capital invested is over 33%.

Their motivation for joining PPP was a desire to find a business they could run together and one which would quickly generate enough cashflow to pay for their children’s education.  They had looked at a number of franchise opportunities, but found most of the businesses uninspiring.  “Most of the opportunities we looked at seemed to involve huge numbers but a relatively tiny profit”, says Simon, a former insurance broking director.  “I just couldn’t see a long-term future that I’d be happy with.  PPP’s was the only one we looked at that really caught our interest.  Most of my family are involved in property in some way, and it seems a very logical, sensible basis for a business, with tangible short and long term profitability and excellent pension provision.”

Their plan for the next 12 months is to consolidate the portfolio and make it more efficient.  Says Simon, “I know we’re making good profit, but I also know there are areas where we can still minimise the outgoings.  Running this business properly takes time and effort and Anna and I are aware that with our busy lives we haven’t been doing everything we could to really maximise the profitability.  By following the franchise system and with PPP’s ongoing support I have no doubt we will see increased profits this year.”

Suky Walia, Newcastle

Suky Walia worked for a number of years as an office equipment engineer, before setting up his own company, employing a team of engineers and salespeople to sell and service office equipment.  Although the business was very successful, throughout his working life, Suky had also made various property investments, and began to realise the potential returns that could be made if he dedicated himself to it full-time. 

Five years after starting the business, Suky sold it and began to concentrate on building a property portfolio.  In 2008 he visited the National Franchise Exhibition to see what part-time business options might be available to help fund his investments, and was pleasantly surprised to see a property investment franchise – Platinum Property Partners.  After spending time speaking with the founders and existing franchise partners, and doing some serious research, Suky joined PPP in October 2008.

Although he had some experience in property, Suky realised he’d not been making anywhere close to the returns PPP partners were achieving and that he had a lot to learn.  “Buying into proven systems for generating cashflow and having the enormous bank of knowledge, experience and professional advice on tap whenever I need it is well worth the investment”, says Suky. “On my first purchase with PPP – which I got significantly below its true value and which I would never have bought if I’d stuck to my old methods – I am making £2,200 gross profit per month, and I have just finished renovating my second, which should gross over £2,500.”  Suky’s first two properties have estimated current equity of £135,000, £50,000 of which is clear profit, in addition to the £50,000+ annual gross profit from rental income.  Needless to say, Suky is already in the process of buying his third – the first of 4 purchases planned for 2010.

Dr. Robin Lawrence, Harley Street, Central London

• Portfolio built for Robin within 3 months
• Portfolio comprises four properties with a combined value of over £300,000 and equity of £105,000
• All properties refurbished and brought up to the required to legal and letting standard
• All properties fully tenanted and delivering positive monthly cashflow
• Actively managed as if the properties were owned by one of the PPP Partners