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28th May 2018

Stronger together: how strategic partnerships can transform the housing sector

Collaboration is no longer just a buzz word, it’s the key to long term success for any and every business operating in the property industry. So let’s talk, says the Land & New Homes Network’s founder, Kevin Ellis.

Early on in my career, I used to have an ‘us and them’ approach to business and I know, from working with many of them over the years, that many estate agents are also fiercely competitive by nature. But while some territorial rivalries are a necessary part of our industry, there are many other instances where working together can have an incredibly positive impact on everyone involved.

Our values

Just under two years ago, we set up the Land & New Homes Network with a number of non-competing agencies and fostered a collaborative model that has been very successful. For example, whereas larger developers with sites in different areas of the country would previously only consider regional or national chains to market their properties, today they’ll work with an alliance of our members. They receive the quality local insight (and service) they’re looking for, and our independent agents get to create profitable new business relationships. It’s a win/win for both parties.

Admittedly, it’s a way of working that I was cautious about at first, but the results have been spectacular.

Historically, our sector has been restricted to client/supplier relationships that are obviously weighted in one direction. But when members of our network come together, there’s an appetite for information sharing, improving company performance, enhancing service and working together on winning new business. Land & New Homes Network members will frequently engage in problem solving and give each other valuable advice and feedback.

And that’s why I’m passionate about building new strategic partnerships within the industry and sharing knowledge with everyone from architects and commercial agents to planning consultants. Our sector contains a diverse mix of legal, commercial, consultative, ecological and financial talent (to name just a few) and I’m keen to promote a more collaborative way of working through the Land & New Homes Network.

What we can offer in return

At the Land & New Homes Network, we have got an unrivalled amount of data and robust insight from across the land and planning arena. We know what is happening on the ground right now in different marketplaces across the UK; we hold extensive historical data on subjects such as the second-hand market, market research from past developments and pricing; we understand the current demands and can plot the future trends; and we can pinpoint the sites that are currently under construction or have received planning consent but are yet to be developed. It’s a very valuable resource.

The above is just a small sample of the information we have to hand and we’re happy to share it with professionals from within our industry on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis. So if you’re a lawyer, an architect, a development consultant, an ecological expert, an accountant, a surveyor… or any of the professions linked to our industry, talk to us. Tell us your strengths and your challenges, your ambitions and where you need support and we’ll connect you with someone useful to you and your situation.

Let’s work together. Let’s start building some strategic relationships within the industry and beyond. You never know where it might lead.

For more information and to get in touch with Kevin and the team, visit: www.lnhnetwork.co.uk