On Tuesday 30th September, the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh played host to the first annual Agency Connect event, a landmark gathering for property management agencies across the UK. Co-hosted by SuperControl, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), and Key Data, the day brought together industry leaders at a pivotal moment – just as Scotland’s new tourism tax comes into effect.
The event provided a packed programme of insight, debate, and practical advice, giving agencies the tools to meet challenges, seize opportunities, and shape the future of the self-catering sector.
View more photos from day here
State of the Nation
Opening the day, Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of ASSC, set the tone with a clear-eyed overview of the regulatory pressures facing the sector. She called for fair, flat-rate, digital visitor levies, addressed inconsistencies in short-term let licensing, and urged agencies to use their collective voice to influence fair and balanced regulation.
Global Trends and Strategy
Richard Vaughton, Yes Consulting, drew on international expertise to highlight shifting legislative frameworks, growing tech consolidation, dynamic pricing models, and the transformative role of AI in guest behaviour. His message was clear: agencies must adopt multi-channel, multi-tech, and AI-informed strategies to remain competitive.
Compliance Simplified: DAC7
Natalie Dowling (Hartford Consultants) led a session detailing the new DAC7 reporting requirements, including due diligence, annual reporting, record-keeping, and penalties. Following this, Philippa Wright (SuperControl) explained how agencies can use SuperControl to streamline DAC7 reporting, making compliance simpler and more practical. A panel discussion featuring Natalie, Philippa, and Jane Cameron (Discover Scotland) then took place, tackling common challenges and practical tips for ensuring all bookings are correctly reported and owners provide necessary information.
Data-Driven Decisions
Sally Henry (Key Data) unveiled the latest market insights for 2025: slightly higher occupancy, flat ADR growth, and shorter stays/booking windows. Her advice to agencies was to use data intelligence to balance rates, diversify distribution channels, and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.
Marketing and Operational Excellence
Sessions from Creatomatic and Laura Hunter (SuperControl) delivered practical advice to strengthen digital presence, optimise listings, and streamline operations. Gail Adams (Pack Holidays) underscored the value of authenticity – knowing your USP, understanding your audience, and creating guest experiences that resonate.
Panels & Peer Learning
Interactive panel discussions explored some of the sector’s biggest challenges – from OTA relationships and cancellations to review management and guest experience. The sessions gave agencies actionable strategies to maximise bookings, reduce friction, and build loyalty.
Attendee Feedback
“I attended the session at The Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh on 30th September. It was informative, welcoming, fun and managed in an open, clear and transparent format. Everyone who attended was personally greeted, welcomed and made to feel part of the tribe. Good humour, good information, good networking and all done absolutely perfectly. Huge thanks for doing this, it really was hugely valuable”
“Thank you for assembling this ASSC agency event, it was extremely informative and you come away realising there is support out there, it alleviated the sense of isolation there can be in this very challenging industry.”
A Day to Remember
The inaugural Agency Connect 2025 proved to be more than just a conference – it was a day of collaboration, inspiration, and sector-wide connection. Attendees left with fresh insights, practical tools, and strengthened networks to help them navigate a competitive, fast-changing landscape.
Key takeaway: Collaboration, data-led strategy, and authentic guest experiences will be central to the future success of property management agencies in Scotland and beyond.