Cumbria & Borders Property Networking Event

Event Title: Property Industry Networking & Collaboration Event

Date & Time: Wednesday, 13th August 2025 | 6:00 PM

Venue: Pirelli Sports & Social Club, Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 6AR

Event Details: Join us for an exciting evening of networking and collaboration in the property industry! Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build valuable relationships.

Highlights:

• Free Drinks and Nibbles: Enjoy complimentary refreshments while networking.
• Presentation 1: “Freedom Through Property: How Sarah Built a 7-Figure Holiday Let Business from Scratch ” - with Sarah Harkes
• Presentation 2 - The Renters Reform Act: What You Need to Know - with Katie Banks -
• Networking Opportunities: Meet industry peers and expand your network.

Don’t miss out on the chance to grow your business and gain valuable knowledge in a relaxed, friendly setting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsored by:

www.castleviewfinance.com

Mortgage, Bridging and Finance experts

Our unwavering commitment to getting your financial needs met when others say no. We strive to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional service that address the unique needs of you, our clients. Whether you are a individual, small business, or enterprise, we have tailored solutions to help you achieve your immediate needs as well as your long term property aspirations.

www.yourpropertyfurnished.co.uk

30 years combined experience in the property furnishing business. We specialise in HMO’s, Serviced Accommodation and Buy to Let furniture packages nationwide

We provide furniture packages to get your property market-ready in the shortest time possible to maximise your profit.

• Professional Installation and resting by our experienced and dedicated teams.
• All packaging removed and responsibly disposed of.
• Photos of your finished installation also provided on all packages.

www.quaysideconstruction.co.uk/

Experts in commercial and residential construction

Whether it’s expanding your personal residence, crafting a breath-taking residential retreat, or a new commercial property project, we’re here to turn your vision into reality.

www.pocket-watch-assistant.co.uk/

Pocket Watch Assistant is an award winning team supporting Property Landlords, Investors, Developers and those in Trades with their admin support.

Allowing them in-house Property and Lettings Management, to the never ending emails, appointments, quotes, invoices, receipts, scheduling jobs, project admin and team support that goes along with working in the Trades. We strive to work with those who want to do things right.

Speaker 1:

Sarah Harkes

“Freedom Through Property: How Sarah Built a 7-Figure Holiday Let Business from Scratch”

During the Covid pandemic, Sarah Harkes took a leap of faith—leaving behind the 9–5 to pursue her dream of building a business that would give her long-term freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. She started with just one rented serviced accommodation unit in Carlisle. Today, she runs a seven-figure holiday let and serviced accommodation business with a portfolio now valued at over £4.75 million.

Since getting started, Sarah has raised over £2 million in private investment, built a hands-off business generating over £1.5 million in annual revenue, and won multiple awards for guest experience and portfolio growth. Her properties consistently outperform the market, with high occupancy rates and strong, repeat demand.

Thanks to the systems, automation, and team she’s put in place, Sarah’s business now runs largely without her day-to-day involvement—giving her the lifestyle she once only dreamed of. Alongside running the company, she now mentors and trains others who want to escape the 9–5 and build profitable property businesses of their own, built around freedom, security, and purpose.

About Sarah's talk:

Join Sarah Harkes for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how she went from renting her very first serviced accommodation unit in Carlisle to building a seven-figure holiday let business across the Lake District—one of the UK’s most competitive and in-demand tourist markets.

In this engaging session, Sarah will walk you through the real journey—what worked, what didn’t, and the key lessons she learned along the way. With a focus on transparency and practical value, she’ll share insights into:

• How she sourced, funded, and launched her early deals
• The systems and mindset shifts that enabled her to scale
• How she manages and markets high-performing properties (with occupancy rates double the regional average)
• What it really takes to grow a successful property business without it taking over your life

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing portfolio, this session is packed with actionable advice for anyone serious about building a profitable, freedom-led serviced accommodation business.

Speaker 2:

Katie Banks - The Renters Reform Act: What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming to the rental sector. Whether you're a seasoned landlord, letting agent, or just getting started, this session will give you a clear, practical breakdown of what the Renters Reform Act means for you.

Property Manager and experienced landlord Katie Banks will walk you through the key reforms – including:

• The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions
• New tenancy structure and notice periods
• The rollout of the Decent Homes Standard to the private sector
• Mandatory landlord registration and compliance tracking

You’ll learn what’s changing, when it’s happening, and what steps you need to take now to stay compliant and protect your investment. No legal jargon – just straight-talking advice from someone who’s in the trenches.

📅 Perfect for: Landlords, Letting Agents & Property Managers🎤 Delivered by: Katie Banks – Property Manager & passionate landlord based in Morecambe