“Family run businesses often do well because clients feel safe in the hands of a close-knit team”
Daniel Bourke and Zara Stewart are a father and daughter team that co-own Belvoir Dunstable. Prior to this Daniel worked as an architectural assistant and IT manager for a leading London-based architectural practice where he worked on prestigious commercial projects.
Why choose franchising?
“After 21 years of working in architecture and IT I was ready for a new challenge and decided to look for a business opportunity where I could work for myself,” recalls Daniel. “I recognised that lettings was a growth business and even started a small trial run of working from home as an agent whilst still in my other job, but soon realised that wouldn’t work. I began to research franchise opportunities and one day noticed an advertisement for a Belvoir Discovery Seminar in London’s King’s Cross. I went along and met the recruitment team and spoke to franchise owners Luke Mason from Hitchen and Paul Harten from Harlow and I became convinced that a Belvoir franchise would work for me.
“I recognised lettings as an evolving market and believed that success was dependant on a highly professional approach. Being part of the Belvoir network has been a brilliant springboard to success.”
At just 22 years of age Daniel’s daughter, Zara is one of the youngest franchisees in the Belvoir network, but her youth has proved no barrier to ambition.
“My research exposed how lacking some other companies were, even though they professed to be experts in their field,” says Zara. “There was obviously a demand for a straight-forward, highly professional agent in Dunstable and the Belvoir name helps us to deliver this.”
Daniel’s daughter Zara graduated from Edge Hill University in Liverpool and when her father invited her to join him as a co-franchise owner at Belvoir Dunstable she jumped at the chance.
“It’s been a great opportunity for me and I was encouraged by knowing that a great many successful Belvoir franchisees also started out young,” she says.
First year with Belvoir
“It was a very interesting first year,” says Daniel. “When you open a business for the first time there is a lot to learn, and it’s good to have the franchise support team available to help – particularly over legal matters. I am enjoying being part of a franchise and you do develop a bond with the people you did the induction course with. It’s also nice to get to know people that start after you so that you can share your experiences and offer them some advice.
“The first year flew by and although it’s been hard work we have enjoyed it. We are now beginning to get referrals from landlords that have recommended us, which is nice.”
Success to date
Daniel and Zara aim to manage over 100 properties within three years. “At present we are working to establish a firm foundation for the business and become firmly rooted in the town as a business that people can trust,” says Daniel.
Daniel and Zara were delighted to have their efforts recognised when they won the title of New Business of the Year at the Dunstable Business and Community Awards 2013.
Belvoir CEO Dorian Gonsalves is confident that the father and daughter team will continue to enjoy success. He says: “Daniel and Zara have achieved so much in their first year. Family run businesses often do well because clients feel safe in the hands of a close-knit team so I have no doubt our first office to open in Dunstable will do very well in the future.”