Martin and Co Cambridge Pioneer New Lettings Technology

Cambridge-Based Letting Specialist Uses Innovative Mobile Phone Technology to Help Tenants Find the Perfect Property

LONDON, January 14 - Forward-thinking letting agents Martin & Co have launched an innovative
new scheme to help tenants search for their perfect property using the latest
mobile phone technology.

Martin & Co's new initiative uses quick response graphics, known as QR
codes, which when scanned using a barcode reader application installed on a
camera phone take users to a website encoded in the image. The codes can be
used to access a variety of information available through the Martin & Co
website, including property details, maps, images and contact information.
The technology also enables users to contact the Martin & Co office by email,
phone or text at the touch of a button.

Julian Diggle, IT director, and one of three local brothers and landlords
that own and run Martin & Co in Cambridge, said: "We believe we're the first
letting agent, not only in Cambridge, but in the whole of the UK to promote
and implement the use of QR codes in this way. In years to come this
technology will be everywhere!"

Bar codes can be scanned from the Martin & Co website where they are
displayed alongside standard property photographs. They are also available in
the agency's Mill Road office, and on the agency's printed property listings.
Martin & Co plans to roll out the use of QR codes in a number of areas to
support its property marketing efforts, and to ultimately speed up the time
in which suitable tenants are found.

Nick Diggle, director, wrote: "We wanted to enable our prospective
tenants to get more from our website, and to be able use our property
details, maps, local info and other web-based features to better effect. Now
tenants can store and access a wealth of property information on their phones
ahead of viewings, and easily share them with one another. We hope our
prospective tenants will feel better informed and will enjoy a more
interactive experience."

Many new mobile phone handsets now come with bar code readers
pre-installed, and there are a variety of bar code reader applications
available free of charge from the iphone app store and other mobile
application marketplaces. The software is fast becoming one of the most
frequently downloaded mobile apps. In October 2009, The Times newspaper
listed a bar code reader as the number 1 iPhone app that saves users money
(Top 10 iPhone Apps to Save You Money, October 11, 2009).

This is just the latest market leading technology to be used the UK based
letting agent Martin & Co. Earlier on this year they re-launched their
website after investing GBP50,000 in it's development.

    Notes to Editors: Martin & Co

    - Martin & Co is the UK's leading dedicated residential
      lettings specialist with over 170 offices throughout the UK.

    - Started in Yeovil in 1986 by Chairman Richard Martin the
      company was franchised in 1995 and is a full member of the British
      Franchise Association.

    - Websites: www.martinco.com and
      www.propertyfranchise.com

Media contacts only: For further press information, please contact: For further information about Martin & Co nationally please contact Marketing Manager Jayne Codling +44(0)1202-405543 or email jayne.codling at martinco.com