Repairs reporting software company Fixflo has announced a joint pilot scheme with AXA Partners, a home emergency specialist with an in-house managed network of contractors.

The pilot scheme will be in the midlands and north of England and will enable letting agents to have emergency 24-hour access to contractors when their usual ones are unavailable.

By logging in to the Fixflo system, agents will be able to instruct one of AXA Partners’ emergency contractors whenever they need one.

After the pilot scheme, Fixflo and AXA Partners plan to roll out the service throughout the UK.

One agent already trialling it is Let Leeds, whose managing director Luke Gidney said: “We think this is going to be a fantastic tool for both landlords and agents in terms of them being able to continue to provide a high-quality, assured service, especially when managing properties outside their local area.

“Maintaining and strengthening customer relationships is vital for agents.”

Fixflo managing director Rajeev Nayyar said: “Agencies use many contractors to meet their requirements, but there are always going to be occasions when their existing suppliers cannot help.”

There will be no restriction on agents’ ability to mark up invoices if they use the emergency service.