Katherine Le Prevost, Director of BeeLiving Letting Agents in Nottingham, has charted a remarkable path through the world of community development and property management.
Her journey, marked by a flair for transformation, began in the heart of Derbyshire, where she ignited the local art scene with a simple yet profound initiative. “I started up a gallery with Arts Council funding and ran projects up and down Derbyshire,” Le Prevost recalls. Her efforts not only enriched the community but also laid the groundwork for her unique approach to property management—a field she would later revolutionise.
Tragedy struck in 2013 with the passing of her husband, prompting a period of reflection and a bold decision to embrace change. “I decided to take voluntary redundancy,” she shares. This pivotal moment led her to the branded job market, where fate intervened, and a partnership offer set her on an unexpected course.
Nearly a decade later, Le Prevost reflects on the seamless transition of skills from her early career to her current role. “Dealing with people is one of the main aspects, particularly in property management,” she explains. Her experience is diverse, having worked with esteemed figures such as the Duke of Devonshire and individuals from all walks of life.
Today, Le Prevost’s leadership at BeeLiving is not just about managing properties; it’s about nurturing communities and fostering a sustainable way of living. “I was lucky to manage some fantastic property projects then and still have that look today,” she states.
Navigating Through Adversity
But Katherine’s tenure has not been without its trials, particularly during the unprecedented global crisis of COVID-19.. The pandemic brought about a level of uncertainty and fear, with Le Prevost at the helm, ensuring care checks were conducted despite the personal risks involved.
Despite the turmoil, Le Prevost emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future. “It’s quite a nice place we’re in now, in comparison with then,” she says, acknowledging the progress made since those dark days.
Le Prevost also highlights the complexities of compliance within the property management sector, emphasising the importance of clarity and understanding. “There’s a lot of compliance that you have to adhere to, which is fantastic. But it can prove confusing,” she explains. Her approach to these challenges is one of continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that every day is an opportunity for growth and improvement.
BeeLiving: Diversity and Adaptability
At BeeLiving, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s the essence of their clientele. Katherine takes pride in the company’s broad spectrum of tenants. “We’ve got a wide range of clientele,” she states, revealing that a significant 75 percent are students, many in their final year. “The students are absolutely fantastic,” Le Prevost enthuses, highlighting the positive energy they bring to the properties.
The company’s portfolio doesn’t end there; it also includes working professionals and those currently seeking employment. “We’ve got 5 percent unemployed and around 20 percent working professionals,” she explains, showcasing the company’s inclusive approach.
Le Prevost cherishes the long-standing relationships with tenants. “Some of them have been with us for up to ten years,” she says, emphasising the sense of community they’ve fostered. For Katherine, these tenants are more akin to friends, reflecting the warm rapport BeeLiving builds with its residents.
Addressing the concerns of parents entrusting their children to BeeLiving while studying in Nottingham, Le Prevost assures, “they trust us enough to think that their children are going to be safe with us.” This trust is a cornerstone of BeeLiving’s ethos, as they strive to provide a secure and supportive environment for all their tenants.
Flexibility is key for BeeLiving, which Le Prevost likens to the ocean’s ebb and flow. “We can come and go with the flow,” she says, explaining how they adapt to market fluctuations by balancing the ratio of students and professionals.
Navigating Through Economic Challenges: BeeLiving’s Strategy
In the face of economic adversity, Katherine Le Prevost, Director of BeeLiving, confronts the challenges head-on. “We’ve seen aspects such as tax rises as a result of the cost of living crises over the past few years,” she remarks, highlighting the financial pressures that have escalated recently.
Le Prevost candidly discusses the challenges of rising business rate energy costs, which are “double what domestic rate is.” Despite this, BeeLiving is committed to remaining competitive landlords, striving to shield tenants from the brunt of these increases.
Le Prevost is particularly concerned about the housing market’s volatility. The surge in mortgage costs is a significant hurdle, not just for homeowners but also for landlords like BeeLiving.
The property market has seen a noticeable shift, with more Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) appearing for sale than in the past decade. This trend indicates a growing concern among landlords about the sustainability of their business model in the current economic climate.
Le Prevost’s insights reveal the complexities of managing a property business amidst a cost of living crisis. Despite these challenges, her determination to navigate through these tough times is evident, as BeeLiving continues to provide quality housing without compromising on their values or the well-being of their tenants.
Fluid Leadership
“The main thing is that you need to be fluid,” she states. Her approach to leadership is one that embraces change and uncertainty, a trait that has been indispensable in recent times.
Le Prevost reflects on the myriad of challenges that have tested her mettle: “You never know what’s going to happen from one month to the next.” From legislative changes to the cost of living crisis, and the impact of policy on student accommodation, she has navigated BeeLiving with a sanguine and flexible mindset.
Le Prevost also acknowledges the potential impact of policy changes on international students, a factor that resonates across the housing sector. Yet, despite these challenges, she remains committed to BeeLiving’s mission: “Our ethos has always been to provide affordable and caring housing for as many people as possible.”
As we finish, it is evident that Katherine’s leadership traits are guiding BeeLiving through challenging times and are helping to cement the company’s role as a provider of compassionate housing solutions across Nottingham. “That’s what we’re here for,” she concludes.
