Issue 2 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 2 2020 29 Representing the interests of more than forty thousand landlords in the private rented sector across England and Wales, the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) is a key player in the domestic real estate industry. However, reaching the forty thousand mark would not have been possible without the sagacity, and the visionary leadership of CEO Andrew Dixon, named as Influential CEO of the Year 2020 – Landlords Services. To learn more about the RLA and Andrew’s role, we profiled both the firm and the man. CEO Leads Landlords Forward ith a combined portfolio of more than a quarter of a million properties, the RLA is one of the biggest representatives for landlords operating in the private rented sector across both England and Wales. Offering day-to-day support is vital for landlords new and old, whether requiring advice for first-time renters, or seasoned veterans of the landlord community. The ever-growing community of private sector landlords rely on governing bodies such as the RLA to deliver expert advice, government campaigns, and a wealth of top quality services that are all relevant to specific needs. Crucially, the RLA understands many of the challenges that are faced by private sector landlords today. Having been fighting in their corner for more than twenty years, the team are adept at providing all the necessary support and tools they need to continue delivering service of the highest quality to tenants. Throughout its twenty year existence, the RLA has also campaigned to improve the private rented sector for landlords as well as tenants, engaging with policymakers at all levels of government. Ultimately, the firm is laser focused on ensuring that the renting process is the best it can be, for all parties involved. Steering the ship at the RLA is chief executive Andrew Dixon, having taken the reins since August 2018. For a little over a year and a half, Mr Dixon has grown the organisation from strength to strength, including rising membership numbers and development of a new range of services and benefits for those members. In the time since Mr Dixon has been at the head of the association, membership numbers have risen by seventeen percent to hit the forty thousand mark for the first time in its history. Mr Dixon has also overseen proposals to merge the RLA with another of the UK’s largest landlord-focused organisations; the National Landlords Association (NLA). The two have amalgamated together to form the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the UK’s single largest landlord body, representing more than eighty thousand members. Mr Dixon now oversees a bigger and more powerful organisation; one that gives a stronger voice to landlords across England and Wales, as well as an enhanced commercial offering. The merger to create the NRLA has seen both Mr Dixon and the RLA itself build on the strong foundations laid out more than twenty years ago. Providing stronger representation, more effective services, and a better experience all round, the new organisation will continue to develop and innovate for its members sake. Whether that be influencing new policies, implementing new technological developments, or enhancing the public perception of private W landlords, the NRLA will be instrumental for the sector moving forwards. A key skill for any leader is to recognise the ability and hard work of those around them, and that is skill that Mr Dixon has in abundance. Duly understanding that the RLA is more than just its figurehead, the commitment of staff has also contributed strongly to the success of the association. From those on the front lines taking phone calls and answering questions, to those meeting policymakers in Westminster behind the scenes, every single staff member works tirelessly to effect positive change. Through interdepartmental collaboration, everyone works closely together to share information that can help each individual member with any needs they have, be they training requirements, access to documents, or new services. However, it has not all been plain sailing for Mr Dixon during his tenure at the RLA. Despite the reliance that the government continues to show on private landlords to provide homes for UK residents, the regulatory landscape has become ever-more challenging for buy-to-let landlords in recent years. Tax changes introduced by former Conservative chancellor George Osborne shook the sector to its core just a few short years ago. It is a shining testament to Mr Dixon’s industry knowledge and insight to show how the RLA, and the newly-realised NRLA, have continued to offer excellence for landlords, tenants, and the industry as a whole. Ushering in a new era of success and prosperity for the private renting sector despite a myriad of governmental regulations and taxes, Mr Dixon has displayed his aptitude for leadership and why is undoubtedly one of the best in the business. A steady hand in times of uncertainty, and a visionary responsible for creating one of the UK’s largest landlord associations have meant that both the RLA and Mr Dixon himself are fully deserving of all the success that comes their way. Contact: Andrew Dixon Website: www.rla.org.uk Nov19294