The directors of Infinity Property Solutions in Harrow are championing training after transforming their letting business from a “nightmare” to one with a projected turnover of £1.5m.

Sat Patel and Kam Padhra said their company had begun “moving backwards” after eight years of trading before they decided to attend a one-day training course.

“We weren’t born to be businessmen,” Padhra explained. “After eight years, the market was changing, new laws were being introduced and it was a really difficult period for our business.”

Patel said he thought he would “explode” due to the pressure of facing cuts to budget, staff and marketing.

“It was truly a nightmare,” Padhra added. “We sat down and both realised we wanted more. More for the business. And more for ourselves. We attended a one-day training course and realised how much we had been doing for free, and that landlords had been taking for granted.”

According to the duo, the course revealed the aspects of the business they needed to enhance and develop.
“We implemented changes immediately,” Padhra explained.

“Everyone had to change – one of the biggest changes was mindset, and we had some resistance from staff initially. But, we explained it, and gave examples – such as how you almost always have annual increments on your utility bills, and so lettings is no different.”

According to the directors, the business has since grown by £2m, and this year’s turnover is projected at £1.5m. “Not only that, but it’s gifted us more time,” Padhra said. “We’re both family men, and we can now be more flexible with our hours, and no longer feel bound to the business. We’re working on the business, rather than in the business.

“We have a rigid structure – the business can function entirely without us here day-to-day. We’re focused, we’re free. We’re achieving goals, and setting new ones – we never want to stand still,” Padhra added.