What's on in Oxford - Short Let Accommodation

Q: Why should people consider a short let when they want to spend time in the Oxford area?

A: A lot of people coming to the Oxford region for a short time would begin their search for somewhere to stay by checking out the local hotels. But for a vast number of business people, who are looking for a short term contract for temporary accommodation, we offer a very attractive alternative. We can supply our clients (renters) with high quality, serviced accommodation at a standard which compares very favourably to what they'd get for similar money at a hotel.

Q: What kinds of people are taking out short term let contracts with you?

A: We began this business as a way of offering holiday lets to people visiting the Oxford area. This has all changed now. We still offer a holiday letting service but it is the business visitor which is now our biggest growth area. A lot of this is due to the huge increase in the number of business visitors from abroad wanting short lets. They now make up more than half of our turnover.

Q: What has been the biggest reason for the growth of your business?

A: There are a number of reasons. Perhaps the biggest factor is the price of property in the Oxford area. It has a very buoyant market where investment in property is very attractive. This is bringing people, who can afford it, to the area. It also means that people who are investing in a number of properties often want to rent them out - that's where we come in. Oxford has a very strong regional economy and the growth of business parks and light industry is drawing people here for work. They all need somewhere to live.

Q: What kinds of businesses do your clients and renters come from?

A: We deal with a large amount of business clients from the medical sector - mainly because of the high concentration of teaching hospitals in the Oxford area. And, of course, this region means we are placing a lot of clients from the academic world - particularly in the scientific sector. Companies like Chiron Vaccines have been using our services for some time. Manufacturing is strong in this area and we benefit from this. Among our big clients are Honda and BMW. Overall, over two thirds of our business comes from the business sector.

Q: Oxford is a growing local economy. Are you dealing with a lot of people who are relocating to the area permanently or for the long term?

A: Yes. This falls into two categories. We are the first port of call to a number of people who are planning to set up home here. Either their jobs have brought them to Oxford or they are retiring to the area. Both groups want to spend time here and get the feel of the place. We give them a chance to have a temporary home to use as a base whilst they decide where they want to settle. We have even had people using our services and setting up a temporary home while they wait for their furniture and belongings to arrive in this country. Again a short let with us is far more flexible and, I think, much better value for money than a hotel or bed and breakfast.

Q: How do you source your properties and are you really able to offer a varied enough range to suit all needs?

A: Very much so. We have a wide range of properties on our books. They range from the very large and luxurious riverside mansions to a number of self contained studio apartments in the new Castle development. As to how we come by our properties, some belong to individual owners with a portfolio of properties or they may be vacated by people who are moving abroad for a number of years. We also manage a vast number of properties which are from the buy to let market. People have bought them as an investment but they don't want to get involved in the hassle of managing them - that's where we come in.

Q: How do you market your business?

A: So far, we have avoided having a ‘shop front' operation. But as we expand that may have to change. We rely on advertising and networking within the community - this is why a magazine like B4 is so important. We also win business through word of mouth recommendations and repeat business. These last two are very important and are really down to the level of service we offer our clients on both sides of the fence - the renters and the owners. We run a very efficient and effective operation. We offer various levels of servicing in our accommodation. This begins with a basic change of bed linen and towels once a week to a daily cleaning service. We can also organize bespoke services for renters. For example we have arranged taxi and even shopping services. This kind of thing is our biggest USP: High quality in service with personal contact with the clients. I am a great believer in quality control and making the process as painless as possible for the renter and the owner.

Q: How do you see the future for OxfordShortlets?

A: I have a very strong team working with me. It's also growing fast. We intend to be known as the best in the business here in the area. We do this by running the company as if it is being constantly audited and assessed for levels of quality control. This is why we have a very successful business model. But, we are ambitious and would like to take it to other regions.