Richard Abbots
CEO

What is your career background?

I started out my working life as an apprentice engineer, which consisted of sweeping floors and making cups of tea. Alas, that career wasn't for me, so I started pencil squeezing in an office and didn't look back...

This led me to various management roles in customer service, before I decided to become an economics and business teacher for a couple of years. I learnt so much about myself during that time and perhaps most importantly, that teaching wasn't for me.

How did you come to work for Inventory Hive? If founder, how did you come up with the idea to launch Inventory Hive?

My wife and I have six boys (yes I know) and we'd always rented properties over the years and often felt the check-in and check-out process was unfair and misguided. So we decided to setup a company creating inspection reports that were fair for tenants and landlords...

Upon driving home from tutoring one day in 2015, I happened upon a web design agency I'd worked with years before. The rest of my drive home had my brain buzzing that we'd build an app.

We had no idea how to go about it, or were the money would come from, but we did it anyway.

Fast forward to 2023, we have 25 staff on the team and all our development is performed in-house here in the UK.

What's your proudest achievement?

That my wife and the boys are proud of me, you can't get prouder than that. Being able to create them the best future means the world.

There's lots of others too, like watching the team around me grow and feel the passion that we do about what we're doing.

Oh, then there's being the only inspections/tours software to win the best overall supplier with EA Masters and being one of only a few ISO 27001 certified PropTech providers in the UK : )

What are the top 3 challenges you believe your business solves for agents?

1. Helping them avoid costly disputes with automated paperless feedback workflows;

2. Saving time and money whilst wowing landlords with the quality of their inspection reports.

3. Evidence and maintain compliance within their properties.

Which industry suppliers do you admire most?

Any in the PropTech game, it's fast paced and hard work - not for the faint hearted that's for sure.

Which estate agencies do you admire most?

Any that use our software (lol). For those that don't, can I say your hair looks greeeat today ;)

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from working with estate agents so far?

That if you're passionate about what you're doing and work hard, anything is possible.

Mitch Handley
Marketing Manager

What is your career background?

After leaving university, I worked in a well established 4 star hotel in the city of Derby. I then worked as an account manager for a furniture suppliers based in the east midlands. After being at the company a few years, I felt like I needed a fresh challenge and that's where I was lucky enough to stumble across working for Inventory Hive.

How did you come to work for Inventory Hive? If founder, how did you come up with the idea to launch Inventory Hive?

The initial role for for a customer relationship manager which was ideal for what I was looking for at the time. As soon as I went for the interview and I was told about the role, I knew this was the place for me. After around 18 months in this role, the company was growing at a significant pace and Richard felt we needed more focus on the marketing aspect of the company. That's when he offered me the position of marketing manager and I have never looked back since.

What's your proudest achievement?

Those that know me well, my biggest passion away from work is playing golf.

I officially inaugurated in as Centenary Captain at Mickleover Golf Club for 2023. A golf club which has been a massive part of my life since I joined at the age of 13 years old. I’ll be the clubs youngest ever captain.

What are the top 3 challenges you believe your business solves for agents?

Ease of use - all property managers and property inspectors need are the tools to create a fantastic report but in the shortest possible time. We certainly provide all the tools and help for that.

Training and Support - We love holding customers hand to ensure they are using Inventory Hive to the best of its ability. Our support often gets rave reviews and it's an important part of our business model.

Cost - Not all Proptech has to be expensive. We are proud to be transparent with our pricing with no hidden costs as well as offering super value for money!

Which industry suppliers do you admire most?

I like the Street Group brand. I love the clear, modern but professional presence.

Which estate agencies do you admire most?

Those that are our customers ;)

To be honest, even if an independent estate agent or large multi branch, our product works exactly the same with the same end goal for all. 

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from working with estate agents so far?

I've learnt that agents always look out for each other and are keen to share ideas and suggestions to us to help us develop Inventory Hive for the better.

Alex Gooch
Head of Build to Rent

What is your career background?

My career started out in fitness, as a Personal Trainer at The Belfry helping others to work towards their goals. After building up a fantastic client base that kept me in the gym for 15 hours a day, I decided I needed more balance in my life and transitioned in to Membership Sales and then in to Gym Management. I loved the gym but it was from here I found my true passion. Property. Previously working for a private developer assisting in the growth and management of their rental portfolio as well as managing their build to sell projects my most successful project was the conversion of 14 tired apartments in to 20 refurbished units with a final GDV of £3.4m. I'm fortunate that the role of Operations Manager for a developer with a diverse portfolio gave me great exposure to many areas of the property sector, allowing me to learn across the industry.

How did you come to work for Inventory Hive? If founder, how did you come up with the idea to launch Inventory Hive?

Following the completion of a large BTS project in my previous role, I decided it was time for a new challenge. I spoke with the founder of Inventory Hive, Richard, and instantly wanted to be involved. Having experienced a few areas of property I saw great value in what Inventory Hive was working towards. Building a fair system for all parties and overall trying to improve the renting experience was something I wanted to help drive forwards.

What's your proudest achievement?

Having my mother be proud of me. There's no better achievement than that.

What are the top 3 challenges you believe your business solves for agents?

1. Helping them avoid costly disputes with automated paperless feedback workflows having a tenant engage in the condition process and as a result them taking better care of their property

2. Saving time and money whilst wowing landlords with the quality of their inspection reports.

3. Evidence and maintain compliance within their properties.

Which industry suppliers do you admire most?

There are so many suppliers that bring great solutions to the sector. Those that I admire the most help protect the assets and improve the renters experience along with improving the operators efficiency. Companies such as Fixflo, Spike Global and Billing Better have a great product with these benefits at the forefront.

Which estate agencies do you admire most?

If I'm being honest, any that use our platform hold a special place in my heart. If you wrestled me to the ground to pick one, Habitans and Heywoods 1881 - I think Alistair has built a great foundation for growth across the brands.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt from working with estate agents so far?

That no matter how bad a problem might seem, there's always a solution and this is something I now apply to all aspects of life.

Click here to find out how Inventory Hive can help your agency.