Entrepreneurial flair surfaced early in Steve. At the age of 8 he was following stocks and shares and by 11 he was gambling pocket money on horses! But like many other highly successful entrepreneurs, the traditional education system failed him and he left school at 16 with no qualifications. By 30 he had made his first million.
From being an unqualified teenager, determination to succeed, a love of the outdoors and a natural flair for teaching others led Steve to an apprenticeship working in outdoor pursuits, where he started to realise his own potential. He moved on a few years later and set up his first business, Ropes Course Developments, which built all the high and low adventure ropes courses for Center Parcs, First Choice Holidays and the RAF in Europe, as well as courses in 12 other countries. Once that was established, he started another business providing management consultancy and development training, servicing a number of well-known blue chip and other high-profile clients including the British Lions, Microsoft and KPMG. Steve had a beautiful house on the south coast, a great social life and two successful businesses, but then, as with most eventually successful entrepreneurial journeys, he hit a major bump in the road.
In the economic fallout that followed the terrorist attacks in America on 11th September 2001, Steve's businesses were all but wiped out, and he was forced to sell his own home to avoid going bankrupt. He credits that period as being "the best worst experience of my life". In being taken back to virtually nothing, he was shown the power of owning underlying assets. If he had owned his business premises which, over a 7 year period, in a fast-rising property market, would have translated into a substantial asset base, he probably could have ridden out the storm, but his company only rented the buildings. Steve learnt from this fundamental mistake and made sure he rebuilt his fortune on the solid foundation of property. He now helps others ensure they do the same, through Platinum Property Partners.
Platinum Property Partners ("PPP") is an established, highly respected and successful property investment franchise that enables its Franchise Partners (PPP's term for franchisee) to quickly, safely and successfully build UK residential property portfolios as profitably as possible.
Launched in 2007 by Founder Steve Bolton, Platinum Property Partners is the world's first property investment franchise and is also the fastest growing premium franchise in UK history. There are currently over 100 Franchise Partners operating in 75 towns and cities across the UK. The company is an award-winning Landlord, a member of British Franchise Association and the UK's leading provider in this sector.
The tried, tested and proven business model enables PPP Franchise Partners to build property portfolios that achieve an average return on investment of 15%. After paying all costs (mortgage, bills, maintenance and voids), an average property will generate £15,000 gross profit per annum from rental income alone.
Platinum Property Partners help people who are frustrated with their current levels of income or pension provision. The tried, tested and proven business model has enabled many people to supplement, and in some cases replace, their existing income as well as provide for a more secure future.
Away from his business commitments, Steve is a keen sportsman: he has played tennis at club level and was once a semi-professional footballer. He enjoys fishing and working on his boat in Poole Harbour, flying helicopters, and always strives to be a better parent and husband. Thanks to the financial freedom he has achieved, he has chosen to take three months off every year since 2004 to spend quality time with his wife and family, travelling the world and helping them to get a varied and balanced education. Steve is also the President of the Patrons programme for Peace One Day - www.peaceoneday.org - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to achieving global ceasefire and non-violence for one day every year, September 21st.
Steve lives in Bournemouth, on the south coast, with his wife, Lucy, and four children - Nathan, Charlie, Ella and Jude.
For a list of events where you can meet Steve visit www.platinumpropertypartners.co.uk
