A Birmingham-based build to rent (BTR) specialist will join other property experts putting the spotlight on opportunities and challenges across the sector at the launch of a key steering group in the city.
Jane Morcom, director at Centrick, has joined the committee of the UK Apartments Association’s (UKAA) new Midlands Hub which will be officially launched at an event hosted by global law firm DLA Piper at its regional HQ in Chamberlain Square.
She said: “The build to rent sector in Birmingham and across the Midlands is continuing to grow and is well on its way to being an established housing offer across the wider region. Here in Birmingham, the sector attracted the most investment outside London last year and this has been given enormous impetus by investment in regeneration and the anticipated arrival of HS2.
“I am excited to be working with a team of exceptional BTR professionals as part of the new UKAA Midlands Hub Committee to raise awareness of a whole range of challenges and opportunities within this fast-growing sector.”
The launch of the UKAA’s newest Hub takes place on Wednesday, June 28, hosted and sponsored by DLA Piper. It will give an overview of the Midlands market and outline how the UKAA plans to support members to:
- discuss national BTR opportunities and challenges through a local lens.
- understand local challenges and opportunities in BTR.
- hold local events and networking for wider audiences.
It will also be an opportunity to meet the new steering group and leadership team. Speakers include Andrew Yates, of DLA Piper, chair Rebecca Taylor, of Long Harbour, Olivia Seaton, of Patrizia, Amit Kumar, of Heimstaden, and Lesley Roberts, of Godwin and UKAA president.
The UKAA’s ambition is to grow the sector, and members’ businesses, by sharing information, promoting best practice amongst members, and raising standards to benefit customers. UKAA activities help reduce risks for investors, developers and operators and assist providers of services and products to enter and operate successfully in the BTR market. Members include leading investors, operators, advisors and suppliers operating in the sector today.
Investment in BTR schemes has soared in recent years in cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Southampton, Leicester and Reading. Centrick, which has been investing into BTR technology to deliver best in class client and resident experience, has identified the sector as a target for sustained, measured growth.
Jane added: “It’s an exciting time for the BTR sector, with the demand for high quality accommodation continuing to increase. Despite the market growing, demand continues to outweigh supply, so we expect to see a lot more development activity in the sector.
“Centrick has been delivering solutions and services for BTR clients for many years and has successfully managed a number of BTR sites. Crucially, we’re not just advising clients, we’re operational experts at every stage, letting and managing these developments with a strong focus on community engagement.”
Centrick’s BTR and residential asset management team successfully advised on, marketed and managed one of the first BTR schemes outside London. By undertaking a full analysis of the market, researching local demographics and the level of supply and demand for a BTR development, it provides tailored advice, connections and assistance from initial concept into operation and beyond.
It also offers assistance and consultation throughout the development process, as well as pre-launch advice, research and forecasting. Following launch with a full marketing campaign, Centrick carries out a post-completion review and analysis, with ongoing bespoke reporting utilising cutting edge technology.
Centrick has grown consistently since its inception by successfully prioritising innovation, expertise, and building trusted relationships with its clients to deliver high quality service and results. First opening its doors in 2005, the agency now has over 23,500 properties across the UK on its books and manages over £3 billion in client assets.
About Centrick
Centrick prides itself on being a company of knowledgeable industry experts with a joined-up approach to all aspects of residential and commercial property. Innovation is at the heart of everything it does, helping it to adapt to the ever-changing market. This is all underpinned with a strong ethical code of trust and family values, where the team works as one to deliver exceptional service.
Specialists across both residential and commercial property sectors, Centrick is forward-thinking and agile; always looking for new ways to work flexibly to meet the needs of its clients, using its strength and depth, across the property sector. By investing in talent, leading the way on industry practices, developing its technology and systems, it delivers an outstanding service to clients. Providing services across the UK, with offices in Birmingham, Solihull, Nottingham, Southampton and London, Centrick’s services include:
- Residential sales
- Residential lettings
- New homes
- Build to Rent – BTR, Student & SFH
- Asset Management
- Insolvency
- Estate Management
- Valuations
- Professional Services
