Craig Webster, the enterprising Managing Director of Tiger Estates, has a rich heritage in property, ingrained in him from a young age.
“I’m from a property family,” he says, recalling how his parents transitioned from owning hair and beauty salons to becoming landlords after selling their business in the 90s. This early exposure to the world of property planted the seeds for Craig’s future ambitions. Despite a brief flirtation with the idea of becoming a builder, Craig pursued higher education in human geography, providing a foundation for his property career.
Post-university and with a blend of youthful audacity and professional acumen, he proposed a merger of two floundering property companies, including one owned by his father. Starting with a 25% stake, Craig’s tenacity saw him gradually increase his shareholding, steering the company towards managing a vast portfolio of properties and expanding services across the northwest, even as far as Doncaster in South Yorkshire. “It’s worked for testament,” Craig reflects on his bold decisions, which have led Tiger Estates to manage approximately 2000 properties and sell £80 to £100 million annually.
Navigating the Unpredictable
In the dynamic world of property management, Craig has faced a plethora of challenges that have shaped the success of both himself and the company. “It all sometimes seems nice and stable and then something out of left field rocks everything,” Craig reflects on the unpredictable nature of the business. He has weathered fallouts with senior managers and shareholders, navigated clients’ financial collapses, and grappled with the turbulence of the property market. These experiences have not only tested his resolve but have also honed his business acumen.
Craig’s hands-on leadership style has seen him through the complexities of property management compliance and legislative changes in the private rental sector. “There’s always obstacles to overcome… you use your experience a lot of the time from a business perspective,” he says, emphasising the importance of learning from each hurdle.
The lockdown posed yet another significant challenge, but Craig’s proactive approach and determination to “deal with them head-on” ensured that Tiger Estates not only survived but thrived, expanding its operations by acquiring other companies. “Sometimes it felt like I was chewing a massive piece of steak, but you just got to keep going,” he muses, reflecting on the relentless pace of growth and the satisfaction of overcoming each obstacle and enjoying the success. With Tiger Estates covering notable areas such as Poulton and Lytham, there’s plenty of success to be satisfied with.
Advocating for Clarity
Webster, with his extensive experience in the property market, calls for greater transparency and regulation within the industry. “More transparency,” he asserts, having voiced his concerns to local MPs regarding the renters reform bill and the influx of legislation affecting the private rental market. Despite discussions, Craig points out the lack of concrete action: “It’s all being talked about, but there’s never been anything actually set in stone.” He believes that while some aspects of the proposed bill are commendable, such as the introduction of standalone property courts and the elimination of no-fault evictions, others may be too severe.
Webster argues for a balanced approach that protects both landlords and tenants without reverting to the overly protective tenancies of the past. “Let’s make it more professional,” he suggests, highlighting the ease with which one can start a property company without any qualifications. This, he believes, undermines the professionalism of the industry. He urges the government to clarify the implications of the renters reform bill for small-scale landlords who fear increased taxation and difficulties in managing their properties.
“There needs to be improvements in communication and transparency,” Craig laments, emphasising the need for clear guidelines and standards to elevate the property market. As a qualified surveyor and active member of professional bodies, he champions the necessity of qualifications and higher standards in the industry. His advice to policymakers is unequivocal: increase transparency, communicate effectively, and regulate the market to safeguard its most significant asset—property.
Elevating Standards
In the words of Craig Webster, Managing Director at Tiger Estates, the legacy he envisions for his company is deeply rooted in service and integrity. “We help people,” he asserts, encapsulating the essence of his mission. Webster’s ambition goes beyond mere business expansion; he seeks to establish a trust with his clients, fostering growth and delivering excellent results. “It’s all about lifting standards,” he says, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the property market. Webster’s dedication to aiding landlords and tenants alike is evident in the establishment of a dedicated action line, a testament to his desire to assist and elevate the industry.
As Tiger Estates continues to innovate with new services like auctions, the core of Webster’s aspiration remains unwavering: “But we help people—that’s what I set up to do.” It is this steadfast focus on helping others that Webster hopes will define the enduring legacy of Tiger Estates. “But talking about our legacy isn’t to say we’re going anywhere,” Webster adds. “We have big plans for the future.”
