I have been incredibly impressed by the gardener / landscape architect employed by Michael Leviseur, Estate Manager at Underscar. Could we perhaps use the same gardener and dispense with the grounds maintenance from Fisherbeck?

A capable person like maybe a manager employed by UOCL…..

As a matter of interest, the Board had an option to let spare weeks via Dial an Exchange, but they refused on the grounds that the rentals that would charged by DAE were much lower than FML advised.

Given that DAE manage to rent their weeks out (elsewhere) and FML struggle to rent out Underscar, I think I can guess what the rent level should be. The fact that this is well below the management fee is the issue

Peter

Sykes record during the pandemic made National News (BBC).They have over a 1000 properties to rent in the Lakes alone with 17,500 plus nationally.Now backed by Vitruvian seeking further growth.Since it is the Owners properties that are being let,it would be interesting to know what they think.I have properties which I let.I have recently changed agencies from an American multi national to Simply Owners based in Mansfield.Early days yet,but they charge an annual one off fee then it is up to Owner and prospective client to communicate direct.In my view all rentals could be handled by a capable person at Underscar. There are no agency fees.

Fisherbeck Management Ltd (FML) was acquired by Pure Cottages in 2019. In November 2019, Pure Cottages was acquired by Sykes Cottages – a large national holiday tourist business. The Board of UOCL planned to meet senior management at Sykes Cottages in March, just before the COVID-19 outbreak. A meeting with Sykes will take place as soon as is possible. UOCL has a Management Agreement with FML detailing arrangements for the management of the Underscar site, and sales and marketing arrangements for the sale and letting of the apartments on behalf of UOCL and individual owners (should they wish). There is close cooperation between Board members and FML staff, and owners are invited to give feedback at the conclusion of their stay. This feedback is considered carefully and changes are made if deemed necessary. UOCL Board Member

I think an on site manager employed by UOCL, even if they use Fisherbeck for cleaning etc, would be a better system. They would have direct accountability to the owners, rather than the split loyalty of the current arrangements