Adaptability isn’t optional - it’s everything.
That’s why our recent conversation with Simon Gates, founder of Opening the Gates, felt so timely. In a sector where too many still cling to outdated habits, Simon’s approach - equal parts curiosity, consistency and community - is a playbook for what modern agency can (and should) look like.
From Transactional to Transformational
Simon’s philosophy isn’t just about winning more instructions. It’s about building trust, relevance and personal brand in a way that actually delivers value - not just volume. And for landlords and investors, that kind of thinking matters.
Why? Because the agents and asset managers of the future aren’t just administrators. They’re advisers, connectors, and strategic partners. They don’t just handle listings - they manage legacies.
Building Trust, One Post at a Time
Simon’s message is clear: content isn’t marketing - it’s service. By showing up consistently online with valuable insights, behind-the-scenes realities, and a bit of personality, agents become recognisable, relatable and remembered.
At base, we’ve embraced this too. We understand that for many of our landlords - especially those based overseas or operating at scale - communication is everything. When they see our team sharing knowledge, engaging in industry dialogue and leading with transparency, it builds trust.
The Rise of the ‘Go-To’ Agent
Let’s face it: the days of simply opening doors and collecting rent are long gone. Today’s landlords want more. They want:
• Agents who understand local market shifts and global investor pressures
• Partners who can offer input on compliance, maintenance, layout and yield
• Strategic insights on tenant trends, lifestyle shifts and brand positioning
This is where agents like Simon - and businesses like base - are carving out a new tier of service. It’s not about doing more tasks. It’s about offering more clarity.
CPD Isn’t a Checkbox - It’s a Mindset
One of the standout themes from our conversation was Simon’s passion for ongoing learning. Not formal CPD for its own sake - but real, curiosity-led growth. Listening to podcasts. Reading the market. Engaging with peers. Learning, every day.
At base, that’s a core part of our culture. Our team are constantly levelling up, not because they’re told to - but because they care. And that shows in the outcomes we deliver for clients: faster lets, smarter tenancies, longer relationships.
Letting the Right Values Lead
Perhaps what resonated most from Simon’s perspective is that values aren’t a strapline - they’re a strategy. Being open, honest, curious, kind - these aren’t fluffy extras. They’re what today’s clients expect. Especially in BTR, PBSA and prime residential.
Landlords don’t just want efficient management - they want aligned representation. They want their agents to reflect their own standards and brand.
Final Thought: Stay Curious, Stay Connected
Our sector doesn’t need more agents. It needs better ones. And better means braver - more open to ideas, more connected to people, and more committed to evolving.
That’s what Simon Gates stands for. And it’s what Base has built our reputation on.
Because in an industry that’s often slow to change, being the trusted voice in a landlord’s world isn’t just good service.
It’s the smartest strategy there is.
