My Notable Property Person today is Steve Hilton. Steve is currently the PR person for the National Landlords Association, but he is about to swan off into the sunset, or rather to HM Royal Collection.  So I thought I would grab him for a few comments before he went.  Here is his story.

1. Please introduce yourself. Say a bit about yourself and your company.

My name is Steve Hilton. Not David Cameron’s right-hand spin doctor, but the other one. The National Landlords Association is by far the largest and most influential of the myriad landlord bodies which exist across the UK. Oh, I’m their outgoing PR guy – would you ever have guessed?

2. How did you first become involved in property?

Like many, the first time I signed an AST was in the second year at university. Actually, it was the only time I signed an AST. It was then I learned about how grotty tenants could be (parties, puking – need I go on) and how hard it can be to get hold of your landlord when you need to. My first encounter with having to PR property was at The Wriglesworth Consultancy where I worked on mortgage brands, HIP providers and other associated accounts.

3. What do you think is your greatest achievement so far?

I’m proud that the NLA’s profile has grown significantly because of the hard work of the whole team of which I play a part. I’m proud that I still hear from people who remind me how I influenced them in their lives and helped them turn things around (I was a trainee vicar at one stage!). As I’m only 31, I think I’ll leave the summary of achievements until I’m a touch older…

4. Do you or your company have any exciting plans for the future?

Yes! I’m off to a new role leading the PR activity at The Royal Collection. 2012  is a massive year not only for the Olympics but also for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The NLA has got a busy year ahead with some critical projects in the pipeline. No, Tessa, I won’t be drawn on the detail: no comment.

5. What do you think are the greatest problems facing the private rented sector today?

Sadly, landlords are still an easy target (alongside estate agents and lawyers) for deep-seated prejudices. The truth is that a relatively small number of tenants have a horrific experience of their landlord or letting agent. That hasn’t always been the case but in my experience, the vast bulk of the landlords I have encountered care deeply about their tenants. I am proud to have contributed to the bettering of relationships between tenants and landlords.

6. What do you think are the greatest opportunities?

The UK is running out of housing. The opportunity (or is it a challenge?) is to encourage further investment in the sector by landlords expanding portfolios alongside ensuring landlords know what they are doing. With an increased role in the sector and, therefore, increased income, comes increased scrutiny and responsibility. Landlords are going to be in the spotlight once again. The question is, how will they look? This is a great opportunity for the NLA.

7. We have a new government. What would you like them to do for the private rented sector?

That depends on what mood I’m in. When I hear of the worst excesses in the sector (slum landlords, over-crowding, ignoring fire safety requirements etc.) I get annoyed. This is people’s lives we are talking about. It would be all too easy to say: “regulate them all.” But blunt regulation tends to achieve only one thing: forcing the scum further under the radar. They need flushing out, not burying.

8. Do you use social media (blogs, twitter, LinkedIn etc)? What place do you think it has in the future of the property industry?

I usually end my working day thinking that social media has actually used me…I find it all utterly fascinating, bewildering and exciting. In my time at the NLA, we’ve developed and implemented a social media strategy which I hope has paid dividends. It’s about creating that buzz about our brands and engaging in conversations. Most the time, I’ve done that with a cool head. But I think it’s clear that the NLA is here to stay when it comes to social media.

9. What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time in property?

Property is a subject of passions. It doesn’t sound that way, but everyone has to live and work somewhere. I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I react to situations. I’ve learned that not everyone in property is in it for the money. It is possible to keep a moral compass even in PR!

10. What advice would you have to someone thinking of entering the property industry today?

Research, research, research. If you think you know what you’re doing, think again and research again. Before you part with any cash, be certain you’re ready. Being a landlord is not rocket science but neither is crossing the road and enough people still die on pedestrian crossings. Make sure you know your local market, know your neighbours and get a good feel for your tenants: trust your gut instinct. But something Mary Latham (NLA Midlands) taught me: if you go the extra mile for people, they remember it and will go the extra mile for you. Simple.

*****

Excellent advice!  Fare well Steve, and good luck at the Royal Collection.  I’m sure you will be brilliant.  We’ll all miss you in the property world.

If you want to follow Steve on twitter, he is now @mrstevenhilton.