LONDON, January 14 /PRNewswire/ -- 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: http://www.martinco.com and
      http://www.propertyfranchise.com