Pepperfox

Leading the way in Block Management with an unrivalled service & devoted team. Angi Mariani finds out more

What makes a great block management company? Perhaps a great deal of care and attention with all their clients? Treating tenants, lessees and freeholders all with the same respect? An unrivalled knowledge of the industry? A clear pricing structure without unexpected charges and fees? A company where the staff are valued and feel proud to represent what the owners have built up?

Well, if these ingredients are necessary, then Pepperfox is a great block management company. Launched in 2004, the company is steadily growing, and has now recruited two more property managers to their team of ten. “All the property managers at Pepperfox have succeeded in qualifying for the industry standard exams, AIRPM [Associate of the Institute of Residential Property Management]” explains Steve Gardner, one of the business partners alongside Gareth Elliott. Steve is proud to invest time, money and energy into empowering staff and developing a great team spirit and one can’t help but notice that this is an extremely well-run company.

With a substantial portfolio that has increased 80 per cent year on year and huge buying power, the company manages over half a billion of insured cover through various brokers in Brighton. They have very competitive management fees and their portfolio has expanded to cover Eastbourne, Worthing, London and Tunbridge Wells.

Budgeting is a key aspect of block management. “Being freeholders ourselves, we were fed up of being ripped off. Our key work ethic is to not be greedy, to continue building customer service. We don’t charge for everything, but find a financial balance which is affordable for the lessees and ensures the proper maintenance of the properties.” All funds are held in bonded and insured client accounts with a separate account for each block, which gives clients the transparency they need.

Teamwork
“Our business comes mainly via referrals from solicitors, estate agents, letting agents, existing lessees and freeholders and purchasing freeholders” says Steve, and the hit rate is exceptional. Steve, who has a strong background in finance having worked at Lazards and in estate agency, manages the business and finance affairs of the company, whilst Gareth (who previously owned Just Lets) continues to develop new business and enhance the relationships of their existing client base.

Having known each other for 16 years, and having worked together at Pepperfox since 2006, Gareth and Steve have developed an intuitive management style where they recognise that everyone brings different qualities to the company, and choosing the right people to join the team is key.

“The team are amazing. We wanted to create a company where you can breathe, which is not controlling. We operate a flexible method of working where we put trust in staff, and we feel everyone works harder because of this. There is a huge element of responsibility but it is not restrictive.”

Continued growth
The team is expanding, the company is expanding geographically, are there plans to expand into other areas of property? “No, we are concentrating on our core business of block management.” Proving that they are the best block management company is what interests Steve, and they have plans to continue the well managed growth over the next three to four years. They are seriously considering expanding further into London and the South East, eventually having satellite offices in other areas, but always retaining the core central accounts management base in Brighton and Hove.

Gareth Knox, the Head of Property Management at Pepperfox shares the directors’ vision. Hailing from the Midlands he would love to see Pepperfox grow and grow, and like Steve and Gareth, invests time in developing the property management team into the best they can be.

“The team gets on famously. We attend social events together, but mainly the work dynamic is carefully nurtured, which means more energy is devoted to great customer service.”

“With a substantial portfolio that has increased 80% year on year and huge buying power, the company manages over half a billion of insured cover through various brokers in Brighton”

For Pepperfox though, being a great block management company means even more than property management. The company sponsor a rising young tennis star, Holly Thompson, who is now earmarked for Junior Wimbledon. She has been climbing up the rankings nationally and internationally, and Steve and Gareth are proud to promote Holly’s championship winning potential. Both directors have young children and believe strongly in investing in the future. As Steve says, “We are hugely fortunate to have a successful business and welcome the chance to give something back with community initiatives.”

The Pepperfox team have more than fortune on their side, they are steered by two directors with a vision to nurture their business with great service for all those involved.
Pepperfox, 100-102 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB, 01273 202244, www.pepperfox.com

Gareth Knox AIRPM – Head of Property Management
“As Head of Property Management at Pepperfox, I feel very proud to work for a company I truly believe in. I have an amazing team behind me and feel very privileged to work with each of them. Pepperfox offers a management service that this industry had lost, and having worked nearly 16 years in this sector, it is incredible to be part of it.

Kirsty Marshall AIRPM – Senior Property Manager
“I have been working for Pepperfox for just over a year and it has been the best move I have ever made in my career. It truly is a great company to work for; I have learnt so much in my time at Pepperfox, and I look forward to many years ahead”

Luke Thomas AIRPM – Property Manager
“I joined Pepperfox as a trainee manager in mid-2011, 18 months on and having just recently passed my IRPM exam emphasises exactly how much the company has helped me progress in my relatively short time here. I’m excited to be a part of a company heading into 2013 as we continue to mature as a team.”

Amy Allcorn – Property Assistant
“I started working for Pepperfox in March on an apprentice scheme, and having recently completed the course, Pepperfox are continuing to support me in fulfilling my ambition of becoming a property manager. This company gives you the confidence to progress.”

Chloe Small AIRPM – Property Manager
“Pepperfox has given me the opportunity to progress as a Property Manager, it’s a fantastic company to work for, and they were extremely supportive while I was studying for my IRPM exam. Not only do they also encourage me to produce designs for the company when required, but they also helped me to drive. The responsibility you are given here is excellent.”