This is the second residential instruction the Manchester-headquartered business has been awarded in Sheffield following its appointment to manage the 42 flats at the prestigious Leopold Square development which incorporates the Bow House, Holly House and York House buildings. Livingcity secured that work after successfully managing the site’s commercial units, which include a hotel and various restaurants, for four years.

At Broughton House, which is made up of 48 apartments, the Livingcity team is now providing various key functions such as collection & management of the service charge as well as managing all communal services to the development.

Paul Atkins, director of Livingcity’s Asset Management division, said; ‘I’m Sheffield born and bred so this instruction is an exciting step for me. We’ve been working in the city for four years and securing Broughton House is down to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We see the whole of Yorkshire as a growth area and we’re looking forward to developing our presence and making a difference across the region.’

Since its launch in 2001, No.1 Deansgate has become one of the most recognised buildings in the city centre and is considered by many as a flagship scheme that really marked Manchester’s resurgence after the IRA bomb 15 years ago. The Livingcity Group team will be providing an enhanced professional management service for the 83 apartments and the five commercial units, including; tenant care and liaison, maintenance of the communal areas and the employment of key site-based staff. The contract was awarded by CB Richard Ellis Global Investors – fund managers to the building’s owners.
The residents/ non-resident apartment owners and commercial tenants will also benefit from Livingcity’s bespoke Web Portal. The portal can be used to access important information about each building and the essential services relating to them 24 hours a day. This online community acts as a secure interactive forum for discussion and can be used to share ideas or concerns amongst occupiers and investors.

Mark Gallimore, Managing Director of The Livingcity Group, said; ‘No.1 Deansgate is seen as the benchmark for city centre living so being awarded this work is a great honour for the whole team. The building is a landmark on Manchester’s skyline and is a perfect fit in our management portfolio.’

Livingcity Group of Companies is one of the latest  successful companies to join the leading edge scheme, designed to help industry improve its safety record. The company’s application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

The accreditation is a formal recognition of the extremely high levels of care and service which Livingcity Group provide to their clients and is provides a mark of assurance for our customers.

All participants welcome!

The Livingcity Resident’s Survey

To find out more about TLCbyLc and the wide range of services we offer why not give us a call on 0161 274 1403.

The issue of finding a large deposit is one barrier to entering the housing market but the risk of losing your job and the soaring cost of living are also a major factors that are deterring people from buying. Whilst we would never endorse a return to irresponsible lending, the market in the North West and beyond needs more than token cash injections – it needs a sustainable plan to be put in place that actively encourages development for maximum long term benefit coupled with realistic lending policies from the banks.

Mark’s comment was included in a Place North West article on Budget Day. To read the full piece please click here:

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/

The Manchester-based business will be providing a range of professional asset management services, including; service charge administration, tenant care and liaison, maintenance and cleaning of the communal areas and the provision of key site-based service personnel at TheHeart– which has 177 apartments – and NumberOne – which has 200 apartments. The new contract has been agreed following a successful two year consultancy period.

These core services are further enhanced by a bespoke MediaCityUK Web Portal which is a unique website for all residents & non-resident apartment owners.  The portal can be used to access important information about each building and the essential services relating to them 24 hours a day.  This online community acts as a secure interactive forum for discussion and can be used to share ideas or concerns amongst occupiers and investors.

Mark Gallimore, managing director of The Livingcity Group, commented;

‘MediaCityUK is at the heart of an area where people not only live, but also work, play and learn.  We are absolutely delighted to have been involved with the residential elements from an early stage and are looking forward to the next few years – especially with the imminent relocations of the BBC and Granada.’

The MediaCityUK contract also follows the recent appointment of Livingcity to manage two key buildings at the Eastbank development in Ancoats. The firm was awarded the contract by Manchester Ship Canal Developments which is the joint venture company between Peel Land & Property and Manchester City Council. Livingcity will now be looking after The Cube – a 33 apartment building that was completed last November – as well as The Mews which includes 29 townhouses and has an expected completion date of May 2011.

Which individual has inspired you in your business life and why?
I’ve been very fortunate in my career as I’ve been mentored by some outstanding property professionals from across the industry. However, each one had a common thread which was all about being a bit of a maverick coupled with lots of commercial awareness. In my opinion, that’s the ideal mix and it has inspired me to widen my vision and really maximise every opportunity.

iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Brick? Which phone do you use and why is it good?
I’m a Blackberry advocate because it’s simple and it works. Like many industries, the property sector is a 24/7 business so my Blackberry allows me to stay permanently connected with my colleagues and clients and to be plugged into the online services we provide. It’s also discreet so I can subtly check what’s happening without the hassle of a laptop.

How do you make contacts that are useful for business?
I started my career in 1983 so I’m lucky to have a relatively strong presence and credibility in the property market which is something I don’t take for granted – especially as it tends to be a benefit for the company. We also drive a niche service which people tend to seek out so reputation, word of mouth and strong accreditation with the likes of RICS and ARMA is key. In terms of being more proactive, we’re now putting more of a focus on networking and general profile raising which is already starting to pay dividends.

How about your online profile? Do you use Facebook or Twitter, and if so, with how much success?
I can see the social benefits of Facebook but it wouldn’t really work for our business and the particular services we offer. We’ve looked into it but it’s not something we would proactively adopt and I can’t see that changing in the short to medium term. However, we are expanding our LinkedIn presence as we see this is the most useful social/business networking platform out there. It’s enabled me to track down a lot of contacts and make new ones. Away from the main sites, our own portal is the main tool we have to communicate with our clients and end users. It allows a free flowing and open dialogue that has become central to the way we do business and is something that we will be looking to grow.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read?
I couldn’t really pin point one book but I tend to draw inspiration from history and from people who have been put into unique situations. I remember reading Rudy Giuliani’s memoirs where he talked about the time directly after 9/11. He recalled how his first speech gave inspiration to the people of New York but he was then at a loss as to what to say next so he looked to the words of Winston Churchill during the Blitz. That scene really made me stop and think about what we can learn from others. Clive Woodward’s autobiography was also a good read as it chronicled the run up to – and the winning of – the Rugby World Cup in 2003, one of my favourite sporting moments.

When you’ve got a really important client and a deal to seal, where do you go to do it?
It goes without saying that all clients are important!!! But… we tend to opt for somewhere comfortable and relaxed when we entertain. We’re not a particularly formal company so fine dining and starched table cloths aren’t really our bag. Restaurant Bar & Grill is always a winner as it’s easy, open, friendly and relaxed. The OX on Liverpool Rd is also a bit of a favourite at the moment. “Southside” I loveDanilo’s in Hale Village for its unique relaxed atmosphere.

What item do you always have with you?
If you ask my wife and daughters they would respond “his Blackberry!” (see above answer!!)

Do you prefer to dress up or down for business?
It all depends on the occasion as some clients expect a suit and tie whilst others are more relaxed. However, all style tends to go out of the window when I’m onsite as health and safety rules always apply – take it from me… high-visibility jackets will never be in fashion or look good.

Tell us one tip which could be invaluable to anyone in life or business?
It may sound a bit old school but be aware of the immediacy of technology! All too often, an email can come in that makes you want to press that reply button without thinking. Nine times out of ten that can be a bad move (especially if it is a “reply all” situation!). On a more serious note, you can’t go too far wrong if you put honesty at the centre of your business.

The Manchester-based business is launching the service in response to a high demand from both existing and new clients throughout the property sector. The team will be providing a range of tailored products from lease end and domestic contract cleans, to large scale residential/ commercial projects and one off briefs. The principle aim of the launch is to further enhance and build on Livingcity’s core services – which encompass management strategy, services implementation, accounting and administration – and to ensure a cohesive and fully integrated offering for its clients.

TLCbyLc is being managed on a day-to-day basis by Alex Titherington – its new General Manager – who will report directly into Nikki White, Livingcity’s Group Operations Director. The central values of the new division will be to provide a premium service and experience each and every time; from the quality of the work delivered, to the overall customer service as well as the look and the professionalism of the teams whilst onsite.

Nikki White, commented;

‘Over the last year or so, we have noticed a sharp rise in demand from our clients who are looking for a high quality cleaning service they can really trust. We all know the property market has been tough so agents, developers and investors don’t need the hassle of chasing and managing unreliable cleaning providers. We are proud of Livingcity’s reputation in the marketplace and we are confident TLCbyLc will add value and become an intrinsic part of the parent business.’

www.tlcbylc.co.uk