Case Study - Jane and Simon Gillate

Creating a property portfolio that returns a healthy rental income profit sounds like a dream come true. Jane and Simon Gillate are proof indeed that, with the right training and support network, anything is possible.

Jane, an ex-paediatric nurse who has spent the last twenty two years focusing on family life and bringing up the couple’s daughters, and her husband Simon, a Project Risk Consultant in the construction industry, shared a passion for property. Having earned significant equity by buying, redeveloping and adding value to their family homes over two decades, the couple had always considered the possibility of investing in Buy To Let, although a hectic family life and Simon’s career meant they never had the chance to fully investigate what this may entail.

Following Simon’s redundancy in 2009, the Gillates felt that it was the right time to research the possibilities surrounding building a passive income from property, to act as both an appreciating asset and ‘nest-egg’ for their children. They were concerned with the diminishing returns on capital they held in savings, and the fact that they had to sell off various assets to sustain an adequate income.

Whilst attending the British Franchise Show at Olympia, Jane visited the Platinum Property Partners stand, where she learned about the business model and the opportunities available for Franchise Partners. After reviewing the information she was given, and despite initial scepticism, Jane convinced Simon to attend a Discovery Day to find out more.

On the Discovery Day, having met with the Platinum Property Partners team, and also spending time with existing Franchise Partners to learn how they had succeeded by following the business model to create and manage successful property portfolios, Jane and Simon were impressed enough to attend a Director’s Meeting, at which they then decided to become Franchise Partners in the South East London area. As Jane says, “Even though some friends and family poo-poohed what Platinum Property Partners were saying was possible, and warned us that we would lose our hard earned savings, we had seen the proof and met the people. We knew we were making the right decision, so we just went for it."

Within six months, the couple had purchased three properties, and were managing large-scale redevelopment works to turn the detached houses into luxury accommodation for professional sharers. The majority of bedrooms across all three properties were redesigned to include an en-suite bathroom. Jane and Simon followed PPP’s tried, tested and proven systems which soon led to exceptional demand for their rooms and increased income profits.

Jane and Simon are now advocates of the Platinum Property Partners business model themselves, with Jane in particular keen to share their experience with others. She says: “We could not have achieved this without Platinum Property Partners. From the first Discovery Day, we felt comfortable that the people we were working with had our best interests at heart, and we were also reassured that the other potential and current Franchise Partners we met were just like Simon and I. We wanted to find something that would use both our skill sets – I have a real interest in interior design and I’d like to think I’m really good with people, whilst Simon is very organised and methodical, along with his background in construction. The franchise opportunity with PPP suited us both, and has given us something to focus on and work at together, whilst also providing us with a good level of income.” 

Simon adds: “It’s great to be part of a wider network of like-minded people, and we love the fact that we feel we belong to a ‘little club’ that supports each other.”

With further purchases in the pipeline, the Gillates are confident in their financial future, and are delighted that, just this once, they chose to ignore everyone else’s advice. Jane concludes: “It’s a funny thing, but now our friends and family can see how great the Platinum Property Partners model is, they’ve now started to talk about getting involved themselves. I love telling them, ‘I told you so!’”