The Property Franchise Group hosts the first National Conference embracing change and growth

On Friday, 17 January 2025, The Property Franchise Group is set to host the first of its eagerly anticipated annual franchisee conferences at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, with subsequent conferences to follow later in the year. Titled Embracing Change – A Growth Mindset, this conference will bring together franchisees from Martin & Co, CJ Hole, Ellis & Co, Parkers, Whitegates, Country Properties and Mullucks.

Designed to celebrate achievements and prepare attendees for the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead, the conference promises a day packed with invaluable insights from industry experts and thought leaders, culminating in an evening Gala dinner and awards ceremony.

“This conference is a powerful way to bring our franchisee network together, celebrate their incredible successes, and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the year ahead,” said Toby Phillips, Group Managing Director. “The theme of embracing change is so relevant to our industry right now, and we’re excited to inspire and empower our network with practical strategies for growth.”

A day of expert insights and visionary leadership

The conference features an impressive lineup of The Property Franchise Group executives and guest speakers, including:

Gareth Samples, CEO of The Property Franchise Group (pictured above) and Ben Dodds, CFO of The Property Franchise Group – The Power of Change and Growth.

Kirsty Franks, Group Marketing Director of The Property Franchise Group – Implementing a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy.

Eric Walker, Managing Director of Martin & Co – You Don’t Get Better by Chance. You Get Better by Change.

Adam Noonan, Group Commercial Director of The Property Franchise Group – AI-Driven PropTech: Unlocking the Future of Estate Agency.

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The start of an international string of aparthotels  

Marking the launch of its Strategic Aparthotel Portfolio Valpre Capital, the London-based investment management firm,  announce the acquisition of its first property in Athens, a centrally located office building on Piraeus Street in the Omonia Square district.

This acquisition marks the initial step in its strategic plan to develop a portfolio of high-quality aparthotels in high-demand areas of central Athens. The plan aims to transform underutilized office buildings into contemporary accommodation solutions in partnership with Valpre Capital local partner, Anastasios Nasim. 

The acquired 2,900 sqm property, situated in the heart of Athens’ vibrant Omonia district, will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment to meet the needs of modern travellers and residents. Once completed, the property will be operated by a leading international aparthotel brand, ensuring exceptional management and a superior guest experience.

Ahmad M. Hariri, Managing Partner, commented: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Valpre Capital’s expansion into the Athens real estate market. Piraeus Street is a strategic location at the intersection of business and culture, making it an ideal starting point for our aparthotel portfolio. Our vision is to deliver high-quality, sustainable assets that address the growing demand for flexible accommodation solutions in central Athens.”

Anastasios Nasim, adds, “It is a privilege to partner on this strategic venture in Athens. Our shared commitment to creating developments that cater for the evolving needs of short-term accommodation while integrating seamlessly with the local community and environment is at the core of this venture.”  

The refurbishment will incorporate sustainable practices and innovative design, reflecting its commitment to responsible investment and development. The aparthotel portfolio will target a diverse audience, including tourists, corporate travellers, digital nomads, and longer-stay residents, capitalizing on Athens’ growing appeal as an international business and leisure destination.

Anticipated completion of the refurbishment and operational stabilization of the Piraeus Street property by Q1 2027. Additional portfolio expansion is expected, with the acquisition of another office building in the Monastiraki district planned in the coming months.

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Prolonged corporate distress and uneven 2025 recovery 

Corporate distress levels in Q4 2024 showed signs of stabilising compared to the same period in 2023, but they remain above the long-term average, according to the latest Weil European Distress Index (WEDI). The report forecasts an uneven recovery in 2025, driven by structural vulnerabilities, geopolitical tensions and industry-specific headwinds.

With the launch of the WEDI’s future forecasting component, the outlook for corporate distress will depend on several factors such as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with broader political and economic developments across Europe. Additionally, shifts in global trade policies, particularly in response to protectionist trends under a new US administration, may further disrupt export-driven economies.

Sector trends: Q4 2024 data and 2025 outlook  The last quarter of 2024 saw the Industrials sector emerge as the most distressed sector, with rising capital costs and tightened financing conditions creating significant hurdles. Poor liquidity, reduced demand and shrinking project pipelines add further strain to the sector. These growth barriers are expected to intensify in 2025, driven by ongoing geopolitical pressures and potential trade restrictions, which will particularly affect export-reliant industries such as automotive manufacturing.

High interest rates continue to impact the Real Estate sector, now the second most distressed sector, with limited refinancing options and reduced investment metrics adding pressure. Despite some stabilisation in valuations, these issues are expected to persist in 2025, affecting liquidity and profitability.

Retail and Consumer has risen to the third most distressed sector in Q4, driven by weak investment metrics, high borrowing and labour costs and subdued consumer confidence, all of which have reduced profitability. Looking ahead, fiscal tightening and elevated interest rates will likely constrain discretionary spending further, whilst underinvestment in innovation and efficiency could hinder mid-sized companies grappling with liquidity pressures from maintaining competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure experienced a sharp rise in distress, moving from eighth to fifth in the ranking. Falling investor sentiment, coupled with challenges at major utility companies, has driven down valuations. These issues, alongside constrained financing and slowing project pipelines, are expected to persist in 2025.

Andrew Wilkinson, (Pictured above) Partner and Co-Head of Weil’s London Restructuring practice, said: ‘The data for Q4 2024 underscores the challenges ahead, with flat growth and declining investment metrics painting a difficult picture for 2025. While higher interest rates and fiscal tightening are likely to weigh on investor confidence, our outlook is contingent on a complex mix of geopolitical and economic factors.

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