Student lettings agency Loc8me has appointed Wesley Brown as Chief Operating Officer as the company seeks to integrate recent acquisitions and support continued expansion across the UK.
The business now manages approximately 10,000 student bedrooms across 19 university cities, following a period of sustained growth through acquisitions and new location openings in recent years.
Operational focus
Brown said the focus would be on strengthening the company’s position within the HMO sector through operational improvements, streamlined processes and scalable systems to support growth in existing cities and expansion into new locations.
The appointment comes as letting agents adapt their operations to meet new regulatory requirements. Loc8me has indicated that confusion around the Renters’ Rights Act is leaving some landlords at risk of inadvertent non-compliance.
Founder Raffaele Russo stated that investing in experienced leadership was necessary to maintain operational standards and customer experience as the company continues to grow. He cited Brown’s experience in scaling businesses as a factor in the appointment.
Market context
The move reflects broader consolidation within the student accommodation sector, where specialist operators have been expanding their portfolios through acquisitions. Student landlords continue to navigate regulatory changes, with enforcement of rental standards remaining a priority for authorities.
The HMO sector has seen increased interest from landlords seeking higher yields, though operators face ongoing compliance requirements under licensing schemes and the new legislative framework.
