Rowan, is a specialist, independent block management company, with offices in the Lake District and Lytham. The team manages over 110 residential blocks across the NW of England, delivering a professional, quality service. Rowan prides itself on its credibility, attention to detail, and commitment to doing things properly.
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As Rowan’s portfolio of blocks grew, Chris and the team needed more than just spreadsheets and siloed systems, they needed a reliable, centralised platform to manage compliance, communication, finances, and client service at scale. Managing Director Chris Brook explains why they chose Blocks Online and how it’s given the business the structure, confidence, and capacity to grow without disruption.
Case Study Overview
Chris Brook runs Rowan Building Management Limited, with offices in the Lake District and Lytham. His team now manages 110 blocks in NW England and that number is still growing.
Three years ago, Chris made the decision to move the business operations onto Blocks Online. At the time, the team was juggling spreadsheets, emails, and separate systems, and it was becoming unmanageable. Since implementing the system, Blocks Online has become a central part of how Rowan operates, helping them work more efficiently, reduce stress, and scale the business smoothly.
“It’s multifaceted, online and simple. And it’s given us the structure to grow in a sustainable way.”
The Challenge
Before Blocks Online, the team was spread across Excel, Sage, OneDrive, and inboxes. The systems didn’t talk to each other, and as the business grew, that fragmentation created more issues.
“The main thing I wanted is to avoid is being in lots of different software for different functions. I just wanted one system that we use and that we’re happy with.”
Chris knew it was time to act when the business passed 20 blocks. That was the tipping point.
“Things become very difficult if you don’t have a proper centralised system like Blocks Online. You can do it on Excel etc but only up to a certain number of clients, once you get above 20, it just became a nightmare, really.”
The Solution
Chris moved everything into Blocks Online, bringing accounts, maintenance, compliance, documents, and communication under one roof.
“We looked at various options and solutions. The role of Block Manager within residential properties is multi-faceted and we really needed a web-based system that brings all parts together. We found Blocks Online to offer everything we needed, and we went from having data in all different places to knowing where everything lives now.”
The switch helped the business reset its systems, create structure, and become more responsive to both team needs and client requests.
“The client portal has been really well received too, it’s just so simple, clear, and easy for leaseholders to navigate. And from a compliance and risk perspective, I’ve full confidence in the system.
“Blocks Online always stays up to date with the latest regulations, so we know everything we send out, like service charge invoices, are accurate. That means clients can’t challenge us. It’s de-risked compliance and automated key processes, including Section 20 procedures, budgets, invoices, and even contractor payments. It’s saved us a huge amount of time not just in finance, but across compliance and maintenance too”
The Outcome
Blocks Online platform has helped Rowan scale without chaos. They’ve been given the systems and confidence to keep growing without needing to overhaul operations.
“Blocks Online has made scaling much easier. We’re managing 110 blocks now, and the system feels like it can handle 250 or 300 with no problems. It’s helped us grow smoothly without having to make big changes or add lots of extra resources.”
This steady and sustainable growth is supported by improved efficiency, giving the team more time back across the business. Chris estimates that the business has saved up to 40% in time across the team since using Blocks Online.
“Initially it was 25%, but as we’re adding more clients, it’s multiplied, and now I’d say the number’s up to 40%”
“Having that structure saves us time, but also gives us consistency across the team, especially in how we’re actioning things. It’s important that every client gets the same experience too. The team at Blocks Online is always receptive and even tailor and customise when needed. It’s great to see how the company continues to listen to clients and develop the platform in line with market needs.”