Inspired to invest in their family’s future

A determination to give their children the best possible start in life saw Simon and Anna Mackaness from Northampton travel as far afield as New Zealand in the hunt for that elusive, golden franchise opportunity.

Having searched extensively in the UK and New Zealand for both franchise and alternative self-run business options, nothing was inspiring or viable enough to risk upping sticks geographically or leaving their careers until they took a closer look at Platinum Property Partners (PPP).

“Most of the opportunities we looked at seemed to involve huge investment numbers but a relatively tiny profit in return”, says Simon. A former Insurance Broking Director, Simon and his wife, Anna, were more motivated than ever upon returning from their travels.

What they were seeking was a means of generating enough profit to pay for their children’s education, whilst at the same time enjoying the challenge and flexibility that comes with running and developing an opportunity together.

Discussing various ideas considered at the time, Simon remembers “I just couldn’t see a long-term future that we’d be happy with. PPP was the only one we looked at that really caught our interest.”

Since joining PPP in July 2007, Simon and Anna have bought a total of eight buy-to-let properties, impressively generating a gross yield of over 15% and exceeding a 33% return on their invested capital. Needless to say they have comfortably achieved the goals they set when joining PPP and both their children now attend an independent school.

Five years since joining and Simon and Anna are still very much enjoying the challenge; “I know we’re making good profits, but I also know that there are areas where we can still minimise the outgoings” explains Simon. “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.” Planning to consolidate their portfolio over the next 12 months with a close eye on efficiency, Simon has every confidence in the benefits of the PPP model saying; “by following the franchise system and with PPP’s ongoing support I have no doubt we will see increased profits this year.”

Total Portfolio Value: circa £1.5 million

Annual Rental Income: £227,500

Annual Operating Profit: £100,000