MICHAEL POOLE PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LIMITED

Executive Summary

Michael Poole Property Consultants Limited operates as a regional real estate agency in the Teesside area, classified as a small private company within a competitive and cyclical sector. Its financial position is stable but shows some contraction in net assets and working capital, reflecting market pressures from rising interest rates and evolving consumer behaviour. As a niche regional player, the company’s local presence and diversified services are strengths, though it faces challenges from larger competitors and sector volatility that require careful strategic management.

MICHAEL POOLE PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13032358

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 13:21 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   Michael Poole Property Consultants Limited operates within the real estate sector, specifically classified under SIC code 68310, which covers real estate agencies. This sector primarily involves activities such as property sales, lettings, and management services. Key characteristics of this industry include sensitivity to economic cycles, reliance on local property market conditions, and a mix of commission-based and fee-based revenue streams. The company’s geographic focus on Teesside and surrounding areas places it within a regional market niche, where local economic factors and housing demand heavily impact performance.

2. Relative Performance
   As a private limited company incorporated in 2020, Michael Poole Property Consultants is classified as a small entity, filing under the Total Exemption Full category, indicating compliance with small company reporting standards. The latest financial statements (year ended March 2024) show net assets of approximately £236k, down from £264k the previous year, reflecting a modest contraction. The company holds significant intangible assets (goodwill of £518k), amortised over 10 years, and tangible assets of around £45k. Net current assets are positive but reduced to £12.7k, signaling a tightening liquidity position. Compared to typical real estate agencies of similar size, the asset base and equity levels are within expected ranges, though the declining net assets and working capital may warrant attention. The company employs 36 staff, which aligns with a medium-sized office for a regional agency, but given its small company filing status, it may be operating near thresholds.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The UK real estate agency sector has been influenced by several recent trends:

• Post-pandemic market volatility with fluctuating housing demand.
• Rising interest rates increasing mortgage costs, potentially dampening buyer activity.
• Growing importance of digital platforms and online property marketing.
• Regulatory changes affecting landlord and tenant laws, impacting lettings agents.
• Regional disparities, with some northern markets like Teesside experiencing relatively stable or improving demand compared to the overheated south.
  Michael Poole Property Consultants’ regional focus may insulate it somewhat from national market shocks, but ongoing inflationary pressures and interest rate hikes could constrain transaction volumes and commission income. The company’s investment in goodwill suggests acquisition or business expansion activities, indicative of strategic positioning to capture more market share amid competitive pressures.

4. Competitive Positioning
   Michael Poole Property Consultants appears to be a regional niche player rather than a market leader or follower on a national scale. Strengths include:

• Established local presence with multiple contact points and a focused geographic market.
• Diversified offering spanning sales, lettings, and new homes, which can provide multiple revenue streams.
• Relatively stable employee base supporting operational capacity.
  Weaknesses or challenges include:
• Declining net assets and reduced liquidity could limit flexibility for growth or investment.
• High goodwill balance signals reliance on acquired goodwill which must be carefully managed to avoid impairment.
• Operating in a fragmented, competitive market with larger national agencies potentially exerting pricing and marketing power.
• Limited scale compared to larger PLCs or national chains which can leverage technology and brand recognition.
  Financially, the company’s balance sheet is sound but shows signs of pressure consistent with small real estate agencies facing market headwinds. Its ability to adapt to digital trends and regulatory changes will be critical to maintaining competitiveness.