With the ARL Market Directory now live, we sat down with Darren Waitson, ARL Board member representing suppliers and member of the Suppliers Committee, and Founder & CEO of Nirvana Group, ARL Gold Corporate Partner and Facilities Management Partner, who played an integral role in the development and delivery of the Directory.

What was the vision for the ARL Market Directory?

The vision was to create a trusted, central resource for the rental living sector that brings together high-quality suppliers, products and services in one place. As the sector continues to grow and mature, procurement shouldn’t rely solely on personal recommendations or existing relationships. The Market Directory provides operators, investors and developers with an accessible platform to identify experienced suppliers who genuinely understand the unique requirements of rental living. Ultimately, it’s about making collaboration easier and helping raise standards across the industry.

Why do you, as an ARL Board member representing suppliers as well as a member of the Suppliers Committee, feel that the Market Directory is an important initiative?

One of my priorities on the ARL Board has always been strengthening collaboration between operators and suppliers. Suppliers are far more than service providers; they’re strategic partners who have a significant influence on resident experience, operational efficiency and long-term asset performance.

The Market Directory creates a platform where those relationships can begin. It gives operators greater visibility of specialist suppliers whilst allowing suppliers to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the sector. Anything that makes it easier for the right businesses to find one another ultimately benefits the entire industry.

Why were you, as Founder and CEO of Nirvana, proud to support the ARL Market Directory?

Nirvana has always believed in investing in the sectors that invest in us. We’ve built our business alongside the growth of the UK rental living market, so supporting initiatives that strengthen the industry is something we see as a responsibility rather than simply a marketing opportunity.

The ARL Market Directory represents exactly the sort of initiative that helps professionalise the sector. We’re proud to support something that encourages collaboration, showcases quality businesses and helps operators make informed procurement decisions. If we want the rental living sector to continue evolving, we all have a role to play in building the infrastructure that supports it.

What benefits does it offer ARL members, and indeed non-members, looking to procure rental living sector goods and services?

The biggest benefit is confidence.

The directory provides a straightforward way to identify businesses that understand the operational realities of rental living, whether that’s maintenance, technology, resident services, compliance or professional consultancy. It saves valuable time during procurement while giving buyers greater confidence that they’re engaging with organisations that are genuinely active within the sector.

Importantly, it also encourages healthy competition and innovation by making it easier for newer specialist businesses to be discovered alongside more established providers.

How can those listed on the Market Directory make best use of it?

The directory shouldn’t be viewed as a static listing. Businesses should keep their profiles current, clearly explain their areas of expertise, showcase relevant case studies and ensure they’re demonstrating genuine value to the market.

More importantly, they should actively promote their inclusion within the directory through their own marketing channels and conversations with prospective clients. The more businesses engage with the platform, the more valuable it becomes for everyone using it.

How do you feel the ARL Market Directory will positively impact business within the rental living sector?

I believe it will help create a more connected and collaborative marketplace.

As the sector continues to expand, operators need easier access to trusted specialist partners, and suppliers need better opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. The Market Directory helps bridge that gap.

In the longer term, I think initiatives like this contribute to raising professional standards, encouraging innovation and ultimately improving outcomes for residents. When operators can more easily identify high-quality partners, everybody benefits—from investors and operators through to the people who live in our communities.