2. Dear Fellow Agent
An awful lot of agents think the system I advocate are too good to be true.
Therefore, I have for you some publically made testimonials
All of these testimonials have been cut and paste from Linkedin and can be publically seen here
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=102567620#endorsements
"We run a well established lettings agency in North West. In the
Spring of 2013, Christopher helped us to trial his advertorial
newspaper articles to help us attract new business for our lettings
agency. Writing the weekly articles proved really difficult at first but
Christopher has an enormous wealth of ideas and inspiration and
with his unstinting guidance, encouragement and support we learnt
to become expert in his techniques. The advertorials grew our
rental market appraisals from an average 4 a month to 14 a month
and we now have a great number of potential landlords dropping in
for advice. Even better, our turnover increased by 20%. There is no
doubt that Christopher’s ideas, his support and guidance have provided a real boost to our business.
His passion and enthusiasm are truly infectious and he has always been a real tonic to work with. It
is an absolute pleasure to recommend Christopher."
— Rosemary Millican, Owner, Belvoir Lettings in Macclesfield (The franchise was sold on in the
Summer of 2014 and now Rosemary is enjoying a glass or three of Pinot in her retirement)
“I first met Chris in 2011 and was instantly warmed to his
personal and creative approach to business. After building the
relationship I worked closely with Chris for over 14 months using
his ideas and techniques to improve my letting agency in Hitchin,
particularly gaining new landlords. What worked particularly
well for me was his newspaper advertorials putting me as the
local professional for landlords and investors alike. Within 6 - 8
weeks the results were obvious, I was gaining over 50% more
landlord enquiries with 90% of them resulting in new business.
After nine months my turnover had increased from £36k to £43k
per month"— Luke Mason, MD of Belvoir Hitchin
3. “I found Christopher's course to be
fantastic and we are already seeing the
positive results of his teachings. As with
everything action is required, but by
putting into place the information taught
by Chris, you cant help but get more
business. He is also a really nice bloke,
which helps massively, highly
recommended”
— John Paul, MD of Castledene Group
and
The Times and Sunday Times Letting Agent of the Year 2014 (Overall UK
Winner) and The Times and Sunday Times Best Training and Development in
the UK (Gold)
“Christopher has very quickly established himself as one of the leading
lights in how to grow a lettings business by taking 2 or 3 very simple steps
to grow Market share - if you haven't yet had a conversation with
Christopher and want to look at ways to grow your lettings portfolio - get
in touch with him”
- Gareth Samples, MD of Brief Your Market and Ex-MD of Your Move
“I have worked with Chris a number of times this year (2014). His
enthusiasm is electric, his knowledge of his subject is extensive
and the implementation of ideas instant. We are beginning to
obtain results directly attributable to his teaching and I am
absolutely delighted.”
— Philip Wakefield, Principal at Martin and Co Weymouth
4. “Chris is an extremely knowledgeable professional person who has
brought some fantastic successes to our business. His attention to detail is
second to none and never fails to deliver the goods. He's not expensive
considering what he brings to the party. Never over promises however
always delivers. Would strongly recommend him - And an absolute
pleasure to deal with. Thanks Chris long may it continue !! “
Dawn Taylor - Regional Franchise Manager at Martin & Co Group
“Chris has been working with us for a
number of months and has given us an
entirely new perspective on our marketing
efforts. His enthusiasm for his techniques
is infectious, and the proof is in the
pudding. After meeting him for the first time and taking his advice on board we generated 23 new
market appraisals within a week. Many of his ideas are straightforward but incredibly effective in
both the short and long term. Chris has always been on hand to offer advice whenever I've asked,
making himself available via phone and email at the drop of a hat. If you haven't had a chat with him
yet, you're missing out.” Dean Oakes - Marketing Executive at XanderMatthew
“I attended Christopher's course back in July this year (2014) and as
we come in to December we have added 30 new properties to our
portfolio.The techniques that I have learnt on Chris's course have
produce real measurable results. I have now got landlords wanting to
buy exclusively through our company in order to let. Christopher's
articles are written with a real flare.”
Paul Tobias-Gibbins - M&P Estates (in Essex)
5. “What Christopher doesn't know about letting agents isn't worth
knowing. You want to grow your business, you need Christopher
- he has some truly original ways of positioning you as the expert
in your field and reaching those all-elusive landlords before your
competitors do. Why wouldn't you want that?? Don't delay - call
Chris today (before your competition does it first) “
Sam Ashdown - Marketing Strategist for Estate Agents at
www.SamAshdown.co.uk
“Christopher Watkins has done an amazing job turning me from a
doubter of his methods to a real believer. I have followed his
training and have quantifiable results to prove it works. Not only
has my business increased but I have rediscovered that I am an
expert in my own little field and why I enjoy what I do – all thanks
to Christopher. “
David Nicholson - Director at Martin & Co Crawley
"I first met with Chris at the turn of the year, having recently set
up my own lettings agency in the Summer of 2013. Having a
corporate background, I found out quickly that most of what I
had been taught was not really going to get my anywhere and
there were much better, and proven methods of attracting
landlords. I quickly bought into Chris' ethos on how to attract
landlords to my business and after a few months of laying the
foundations, have just recently begun publishing articles. There
is a lot of hard work to be done prior to this but Chris will give
you all the tips required. He is always on hand to help and brings
something new to the table everytime I speak with him. He is always keen to share ideas and for a
reasonable cost too. He is a joy to work with, inspiring and will always tell you never to give up, it
does not happen overnight but the methods he teaches are beginning to have very positive impacts
on my company."
— Daniel Wilson, Director of Wilson Page Lettings – Peterborough
6. "I've been working with Chris Watkin for the last six months and I can tell you
that he really knows how to attract more landlords to your lettings agency. If
that doesn't convince you, read his blog for a while and then take the
plunge.."
— Rachel Roodhardt, Sales & Marketing Manager, Martin & Co,
"We opened our cold start lettings agency in February
2013. From day one, The Watkin always offered his help
and guidance on how to attract landlords to our agency.
He was always coming up with new ideas and his creative
thinking, expertise, positive can-do attitude and drive
made him the go to man to increase our stock. I can
particularly remember one occasion we had an issue with
how to network at a particular event and he went above
and beyond the call of duty in providing us with
exceptional support and guidance. However, it’s his ideas,
especially the advertorials and his insistence that you need
to engage landlords with interesting stories about the local housing market, both in the newspaper
and with social media that has got us so much new business. I can categorically say that without
Chris’s help, we wouldn’t have got so many landlords and their properties on our books so early on,
which meant we were able to let 105 properties in the first 9 months of trading. He is a truly
amazing guy and we can not thank him enough for what he has done for us and we look forward to
working with more throughout 2014...."
— Phil Collett, Director of Belvoir Bury
"I have recently attended Chris's one day course and would
highly recommend it. If you read his blog you will get a
good idea of what he does and by attending the course you
will gain a much deeper level of understanding of how to
attract landlords with actions you can begin on straight
away."
— Paul Wright, Director of All-Avenues Lettings in
Woolwich
7. "I've now been working with Christopher for about 6
months and I have to say he has been a god send! I
started my own letting agency in January and I don't think
I would have had a clue where to start if it wasn't for the
advice and support that Christopher has given me. His
methods are creative and often remarkably simple and
yet I would never have thought of them! I'm starting to
see the fruits of my labour start to pay off now and I'm
sure it is all down to Christopher's methods. I can't
recommend him highly enough."
— Rebecca Smith, MD at Rebecca Smith Property Services
in Teddington
"I highly recommend Chris if you're an estate or letting agent wanting
to build business growth. He has lots of experience and a totally new
way of reaching out for new business. His courses are very in-depth,
enjoyable and full of well researched knowledge you can take away
and implement straight away into your lettings business."
— Julia Benham, Lettings Agent in Cardiff
.. then some more ...
"I first spoke with Christopher some years ago. We recently spoke again and he's been excellent in
helping me reinvigorate my marketing strategy and I've now got a concrete plan in place which is
now fully under way. His unique blend of property lettings and business development experience (as
well as his gloves off no nonsense approach!) makes his services unique, so if you are thinking about
having a chat with him - think no more - do it! Thanks Chris." — Neil Freshwater, MD Contempo
Lettings Edinburgh
"Christopher watkin is not only a forward thinking Lettings genius but more importantly the proof is
in the pudding. I was one of the first Martin and Co offices to get on board with Chris and his ideas.
Already in the early stages of my learning I am seeing significant changes and there's plenty more to
come.I can highly recommend Chris and I am looking forward to working with him for the
foreseeable future. Call him. Your business depends on it! If you want to grow your lettings agency
you need to speak to this man!"— Richard Goodwin, Lettings Manager Martin and Co Oxford
8. "I run a successful and established letting agency in Sunderland. Over the last 18 months, Chris
Watkin has been a real pleasure to work with on a number of new business generation projects all
designed to increase the number of rental properties on our books and to increase our awareness
levels amongst the local landlord community Without Chris’s creative ideas & attention to detail we
wouldn’t have grown our business as nearly as quickly and efficiently as we have done Now he has
moved on and started as a freelancer, I will now have to pay for his services, which in my opinion are
worth every single penny. If you are a letting agent*, read his blog and learn from him and if you can
afford him, get him into your agency to help you grow the business *as long as you aren't based in
Sunderland!" — Neil Whitfield, Director of Belvoir Sunderland
"I worked with Chris over the last 6 months, with him guiding and mentoring me with his social
media and blogging skills. As a result of blogging, I have listed or will list (when the properties will
soon complete) between 15 and 20 properties, with more properties on the horizon. I would like to
thank Chris Watkins for all his support and assistance with this matter. I feel that the work carried
out has had a real positive impact to my lettings agency" — Zoe Bywater, Owner, Belvoir Bedford,
"As a new start-up agency I have been following Chris on LinkedIn for a while now. I have been
educated and entertained by the numerous discussion groups Chris creates and the experience and
views he willingly shares with others. Although I have never met Chris personally my business was
recently presented with a unique opportunity that I needed advice on from someone with a great
level of experience in this field. My immediate thought was to contact Chris direct, through LinkedIn,
with my predicament and ask for some advice. Expecting an email back at some point I was
thoroughly surprised when within half an hour the phone rang and it was Chris ready to talk me
through things. The advice he gave me and experience he has in previous dealings regarding this
matter, are invaluable. I cannot commend him highly enough; to have the compassion and
willingness to effectively help out a complete stranger yet fellow industry professional. Many thanks
Chris." — Ben Purnell, Director, Tynings Independent Estate Agents
"Chris has used his extensive skills to help me with my business development recently. Always
straight to the point and pragmatic, I have found his advice invaluable. Chris has a wide variety of
experience and uses it well." — Jim Mitchell, Director, Belvoir Lettings (Loughborough & Coalville),
"Christopher knows how it all fits together. He is always on hand to give those nuggets of
information that can give that edge to your business, especially when it comes to marketing"— Nigel
Parry, Business Owner, Belvoir Lettings (Nottingham)
9. "Chris has shown himself to be very honest, upfront and knowledgeable about his field and always
produces great results. He can help you set up your own lettings agency and really has some great
ideas on how to help you build your business quickly. Above all else he is also a very sociable,
friendly humble guy that is worth talking to." — Glenn Wakeham, Owner, Belvoir Lettings Guildford,
"Christopher takes a no-hold bars approach which if you listen WILL get you the desired results.
Intelligent and insightful he can add to the bottom line in property." — Samantha Collett, Director &
Owner, Gorgeous Homes Ltd
“Chris's landlord farm course is an absolute MUST for all independent lettings agents, weather new
or established, you will be well positioned to take on the big boys and start to grow your business
without compromising your fees.” Manoj Patel – Letting Agent Hamlets
"Christopher's knowledge of the Letting Industry is phenomenal and his training sessions are
excellent. His no nonsense, back to basics approach is a breath of fresh air and the support he offers
to those who ask for his help is invaluable."— Deborah Barraclough, MD of Perfect Lets in North
Leeds
"How do you find landlords? That was the big question I asked myself as I opened my letting agency
from a cold start. Flashy marketing? Cut-price offers? Hours spent on Twitter, Facebook and SEO?
I’m glad I stumbled upon Chris’ techniques and adopted them, which makes the key difference of
marketing TO landlords not AT them. Whilst it’s early days there’s been an immediate impact on the
number of landlords contacting me as a direct response of Chris’ methods, many commenting how
knowledgeable I clearly am about the local market (thanks for the articles Chris!). So much so in fact
that one landlord has now instructed me to help source and manage some properties in the area for
him! Read Chris’ blog, watch his videos and see him in person if you can. Not only is he generous
with his time but his advice WILL work and pay dividends in regards to that number one issue:
finding landlords." — Clive Janes, MD of CRJ Lettings Chichester
"Christopher has an admirable enthusiasm for, and deep knowledge of, the lettings sector.... He is
always willing to give advice, and listen to it at the same time - a great quality in today's fast-moving
world." — Jon Bellamy, Managing Director, Atlas Mapping Limited,
"It didn't take long to see that Christopher is not only extremely well-informed, but truly passionate
about the lettings business--and particularly about helping new people establish new careers rapidly
and securely in this exciting and expanding market." — Joe Caneen, Owner, The Video Whisperer,
was a consultant or contractor to Christopher at Belvoir Lettings plc
10. "I have worked with Christopher over a number of years and his knowledge, expertise and valuable
assistance has ensured growth to my 2 Belvoir franchisees and his work rate is second to none." —
Major Mahil, Managing Director, Belvoir Lettings
"I had the pleasure of meeting Christopher after a property event in London. Since then we have
stayed in regular contact. Christopher is a very likeable person and has great skills in supporting
agents. He is happy to share his knowledge and expertise in order to help others. A true gent that
has exceptional property & social media skills. If you are looking to start a lettings business then
make sure you have a chat with Christopher first!" — Ian Charles Watson, Owner, Agent Media,
"Christopher is a friendly and approachable guy and always ready to share information and contacts.
A person to know in the UK property industry." — Christopher Walkey, Managing Director and
Founder., MarketMe.tv,
" Chris is an expert in his field and was/is always on hand for any help that I may need. I can always
count on Chris for advice "— Dominik Potworowski, MD of Belvoir Maidenhead
"Christopher’s enthusiasm has no boundaries, his passion for property is no doubt evident in his
work and it is a pleasure working with a character who genuinely works hard and is such a lively
character!" — Reena Patel, Marketing Manager, Belvoir Lettings, (now moved to pastures new)
"Chris offers good advice and has many years behind him in and around the property industry. If
looking for lettings guidance, starting a new lettings business he comes well equipped to help you
along." — Trevor Mealham, CEO and founder, inea.co.uk,
" In the relatively short time I have known Chris he has demonstrated energy and enthusiasm for
both franchising and the seminar programme. He has proved to be keen to help out and put in that
extra bit of time and effort."— Chris Cook, Owner, Chantry Creatives Limited,
"Christopher is a thorough professional and completely dedicated to every task he sets his mind to,
as well as being a very personable and entertaining individual to be around. His integrity is
unquestioned, and he delights in helping others fulfill their dreams of excelling in the property
industry." — Mohammed Shakeel, Director, Belvoir Lettings in Leeds
11. "Charismatic, entertaining, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. I met with Chris on a number of
occasions during 2011. His knowledge around property and lettings is substantial. He's a great guy to
speak to when looking for new ideas and he's never afraid to put forward his own thoughts and
suggestions." — Robert Price, Managing Director, Belvoir Lettings Cardiff,
.... and some personal references ...
"Christopher is a great Round Tabler. He is a credit to the organisation and has made a positive
difference to his Area and community." — Kevin Chard, National Programme Officer, Round Table
Great Britain & Ireland,
"As the Chief Executive of Round Table in the UK and Ireland, it is a pleasure to work with
Christopher in his capacity as Area Chairman of one of Round Table's strongest areas. I find him
eager, ever helpful, self motivated and great team player with a very strong work ethic. Reliable and
loyal." — Cait Allen, Chief Executive, Round Table Britain & Ireland,
"Chris is the man that you can depend on. Always willing and able to help others to get the job
done." — Ash Sheikh, Immediate Past Chairman, Leicester Round Table,
"Chris has had a great deal of experience in organising events meetings and fundraising with Round
Table this is in addition to holding down a busy day job. He brings a sense of humour, a clear sense
of task and is focused on a job well done. You cant ask for more than that." — Mark Gray, National
Training Research & Development Officer Multiple Disability, RNIB, was with another company when
working with Christopher at Area 14 East Midlands Round Table
"Working alongside christopher is always a pleasure, his ability to be both affable and professional
help deliver results on time, every time. He is a keen fundraiser and community worker as well as
being aneloquent and motivational speaker." — Mervyn Sheldon, Online Business Account Training
manager, Royal Mail,
"Chris builds strong relationships with his customers and gives his time generously to ensure they
get the right results. Professional and totally reliable we enjoyed the experience of working with
Chris." — Steve Warner, was Christopher's client
12. "Thoroughly enjoyed by time working with Christoper - a very competent estate agent and always
willing to help others" — Paul Offley, Regional Operations Manager, Halifax HBOS
"When Watkin speaks, people listen... because they want to; because they are inspired. It's that
simple." — Will Ingleby, Business Partner Manager, Itronix UK Ltd, worked with Christopher at HBOS
(Halifax Bank)
"Christopher has drive, energy and enthusiasm in abundant amounts - his flare for marketing and
generating innovative ideas seemed endless and always with an eye to customer satisfaction. He
was an absolute pleasure to manage." — Neil Wedge, Senior Manager Business Change, Halifax
Bank, managed Christopher at HBOS (Halifax Bank)
"Christopher is an exceptional sales agent with an eye for the next technological innovation. He also
maintains an extensive internal and external network. A very proactive individual." — Rebecca
Howes MBA, Area Manager, Halifax Estate Agents,
"I have known Chris Watkin for many years and have often thought that we would work together,
the opportunity has not arisen at the right time. Chris is a long time served quality Estate Agent who
can turn his hand to almost any facet of the business and make it successful" — Mark Newton, Chief
Executive, Newton Fallowell,
"Enthusiasm personified, Chris rolls up his sleeves and will face down any problems. He has vast
experience in the field of estate agency."— Mark Bygott, Director, Mark Bygott Intercounty Estate
Agents,
"In all the years I have worked, which are quite a few, I cannot think of a more enthusiastic member
of myteam, something which I have seen Christopher demonstrate whatever the challenge. High
energy levels and a great "can do" approach to everything he does!"— Stephen Wolfenden,
Regional Manager Estate Agency, HBOS,
"Chris is a very personable and capable estate agent. Full of integrity and charisma. I have worked
alongside. Chris on for a number of years and cannot recommend him more highly to anyone that
requires a first class property professional." — Matt Daykin, Senior Valuer and Branch Manager,
Halifax Estate Agents, worked directly with Christopher at Halifax Estate Agents
13. "Christopher is a highly intelligent and motivated individual. He has a proven track record of
excellent sales results both as an individual and leading a team. Analyses data and uses this
information well in understanding all aspects of his business. Chris would be an asset to any
organisation."— Donna Knowles, Branch Manager for the Halifax
