Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space

Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company has also welcomed Mark Douglas as its new Sales Director, bringing over 15 years of director-level sales experience across a range of industries to the leadership team.

Together, these strategic appointments reflect Made Snappy 360’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leader in innovative digital tools for estate and letting agents.

New CEO Mark Beresford-Ward (Pictured) brings a wealth of industry experience spanning more than two decades, having started his career with General Accident Property Services in the late 1990s. In 2000, he launched Beresford Ward Ltd in Plymouth, growing the business into a prominent regional agency offering sales, lettings, and financial services. Following the acquisition of the company by the Campion Group in 2022, Beresford-Ward remained with the group to lead South West operations and along with the responsibility for their national retirement home sales department.

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Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR

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Valpre Capital Acquires Landmark Student Accommodation Site in Elephant and Castle  

Valpre Capital announced the acquisition of a prime 244-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) consented site on Rockingham Street, Elephant and Castle. CKC Properties Ltd, a leading UK living-sector property developer, will lead the development of the project.

Located in the heart of London’s Zone 1, the site boasts exceptional connectivity – just a two-minute walk from Elephant and Castle Underground Station and within 10 minutes of more than 30 higher education institutions. Surrounded by some of London’s most vibrant destinations – including Borough Market, Elephant Park, Southwark Playhouse, Mercato Metropolitano and the Tate Modern – the location offers students immediate access to the capital’s best amenities.

Designed by renowned architects Maccreanor Lavington, the 24-storey landmark scheme will comprise 206 high quality studios and 38 spacious twodios, many offering panoramic views over the City and Canary Wharf. Residents will enjoy a full suite of premium amenities, including fully fitted reception area, student lounge, gym and entertainment spaces, laundry facilities, and 215 bicycle parking spaces. Completion is targeted for Q2 2028.

Katch Investment Group is backing the project as an anchor equity partner, bringing both financial backing and strategic expertise to support the successful delivery of the development. The firm’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to investing in the living sector, working alongside trusted partners to help shape the cities of the future.

Mazen AbouChakra, Managing Partner of Valpre Capital, commented, ‘This is an exciting milestone for Valpre Capital as we expand our focus on delivering high-quality student accommodation in prime UK locations. We are delighted to partner with CKC Properties on this development as we grow our presence together in the UK PBSA market. We are also proud to have Katch Investment Group as an anchor equity partner – a well-established investor in the living sector across Europe and the UK.

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Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR

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Watts analysis on ‘The Dilapidations Dilemma’

Written by Nick Loydall,  – ‘As a lease approaches expiry, tenants often face a critical decision: should they invest in repairing the premises or negotiate a financial settlement with the landlord?

The wrong choice can lead to unnecessary costs, legal disputes, or operational disruptions. Navigating dilapidations effectively requires foresight and strategic planning. Those who act early have more control over the process, giving them leverage to secure a favourable outcome.

Dilapidations refer to breaches of lease obligations, whether express or implied, typically relating to reinstatement, repair, decoration, statutory compliance, or other specific requirements. As the lease expiry date approaches, this liability becomes a critical consideration. Tenants who proactively assess their obligations well in advance gain greater flexibility in managing the dilapidations process and determining the most strategic course of action.

Undertaking the Works, Pros and Cons

Carrying out physical repairs before lease expiry presents several advantages. It allows tenants to maintain direct control over the quality and standard of work, ensuring repairs meet the required specifications. By personally managing contractors, selecting materials, and overseeing the process, tenants avoid handing control over to the landlord, which can be beneficial in achieving cost efficiency and maintaining quality assurance. Additionally, tenants can often complete repairs more economically than the landlord’s estimated costs, particularly if they have established relationships with contractors or in-house maintenance teams. Another key benefit is the mitigation of a landlord’s consequential losses; by undertaking the necessary works, tenants can prevent landlords from claiming additional costs such as lost rent, rates, and service charges, which are often incorporated into dilapidations claims.

However, choosing to undertake the works is not always the optimal solution. If a tenant needs to operate from the premises until lease expiry, carrying out repairs may not be practical or safe. Furthermore, executing the works removes the potential for a Section 18 (1) defence, which imposes a statutory cap on the landlord’s claim.

By opting for a financial settlement instead, tenants may achieve a more favourable financial outcome than if they were to bear the full cost of completing all works strictly required under the lease. Additionally, if there is a dispute between the tenant and landlord over the required scope of works, there is a risk that elements of the completed repairs may not satisfy the landlord’s expectations, leading to further negotiations and a potential financial contribution. If the works overrun, tenants may also find themselves needing to remain in occupation post-lease expiry to complete the repairs, incurring additional liabilities such as rent and other associated costs.

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Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR

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