Kate Proctor - Loco Locations
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Kate Proctor - Loco Locations
- What does Loco Locations offer?
Loco Locations consists of 2 separate businesses:
Loco Locations Living: An established rental property search agency. We have been working in Barcelona for over 5 years now, offering a search service for clients coming to Barcelona and looking to rent properties for 1 month to 5 years +. We work across the city centre, and also on the Costa Maresme. We collaborate with the majority of local agents, and also directly with landlords, this enables us to offer our clients a comprehensive choice of properties. We do all the footwork, so the clients only have to contact one agency and not trek around the city for days! All our properties are quality checked and of a high quality. We help with the search, viewings, contract negotiation, and all involved to ensure the move is as stress-free as possible! We speak fluent English, Spanish, Catalan, French and Dutch.
Loco Locations Film: With over 10 years experience in the industry Loco Locations offer a location scouting and management service for audio visual productions in the city. We have an extensive database of residential/commercial/industrial and exterior locations. We can arrange all permits for photo and film shoots. Our production services include: Accomodation, catering, stylists, make-up artists, models, drivers, vehicle and photographic equipment hire, and much more! We have worked for many high profile clients, and have many contacts in the city.
- Why and when did you decide to set it up?
I founded Loco Locations 5 years ago, when I saw a gap in the market for agents speaking European languages and offering a city-wide search for rental properties.
- How is the business going?
Currently very well, despite the current economical situation, rentals have remained relatively steady. This is helped by the fact that we have long standing clients and landlords, who we trust and work with regularly. I would not want to be starting up in this industry in the current climate.
- Who are your main clients?
We work with both private and corporate clients. Mainly expats, but also many locals and clients from across Spain.
- What are your goals for the next year?
We will be expanding both sides of the business.
- What were the main challenges you faced setting up your business?
I was lucky and with the right advice did not have many problems, however we did come up against delays with the paperwork, which could be very frustrating! Typical Spanish administration, but we are used to that now, and just allow more time for everything! I was lucky that Ginny came to work at Loco quite early on and she offered an invaluable insight into the city after having lived here for 25 years! Breaking into a market is always better when you know it very well, and of course speak fluent Catalan! Each person working at Loco has brought something different, and we work very well together as a team. One big happy family, including Max and Simba the dog who join us every day at 5, and give us their invaluable input, before they are swiftly removed from the office!!!
- Would there be anything you would do differently if you did it all again?
Hmmm, I don’t think so… But we have gained a great deal of experience over time, so I am sure we would not make the same mistakes that have been made in the past!!
- How does running a business in Catalunya compare to running a business in the UK (if relevant)? Or just working in the UK?
Working in locations in Barcelona is a lot easier, it is hard to be a freelance location scout in the UK due to various restrictions, however here, it is a lot easier to be creative and there is not so much red tape! Regards the actual running of the business, employing people and taxes are actually a lot more simple thank in the UK, but it is very important to get the right Gestor, or you can be badly advised and find yourself answering some awkward questions from Hacienda!!
-Do you think the system in Catalunya is sympathetic to entrepreneurs/the self-employed?
Yes very much so, and I think the recent government move to promote self employment offers some great opportunities to people looking to set up on their own. Companies or autonomos.
- What do you think the main advantages and disadvantages or running your own business are?
The main advantage for me is the freedom, as a mum, particularly an expat without family living here, it is nice to know when the colds, coughs etc come I can just work from home! I also love being able to adapt my work for my family.
The disadvantage would be that myself and my partner Guillaume both run the business so we do tend to take work home! And it is hard to disconnect at times!
- What advice would you give to other women who are thinking of ‘going it alone’ in Catalunya?
Get the right advice before starting anything, make sure you have a comprehensive and viable business plan, time on your hands, patience and determination!! You can do it, and it is definitely worth the work! Good luck to anyone going it alone!
- How do you find juggling childcare and running your own business?
Max goes to the local crèche in Alella, which makes it very easy, he is really happy there, which is lucky, if he was not happy there, I World find it very hard! We also have some great babysitters in the area, who give us that odd bit of time out!
- How can people find you?
www.locolocations.com Tel: 93 540 259 Mobile: 656 313 424 Kate@locolocations.com