"If a building closes, it gets boarded up and becomes a target for problem behaviour and vermin," says Sales Director, Nick Hilton. "The only alternative is to call in a security company at great cost. We take on the building, put in kitchens and bathrooms and let it out to tenants."

The tenants, or 'guardians' as they're called, may be young couples who can't get on the property ladder, key workers, or post-graduate students looking for somewhere cheap to live. They pay just £40 per week, including hot water, heating and council tax, to take care of the property. The length of lease varies, but is no less than three months.

"We take on all kinds of buildings, from care homes and churches to office buildings and schools," says Nick. "It's a win-win situation; the building's owners have someone taking care of their property for free or at very low cost, and the tenants have somewhere cheap and interesting to live."

Former Bootham pupil Nick Hilton got involved with Ad Hoc after he heard about the company from his twin brother in Holland. "My father was an architect and I've always been interested in property," he says. "Ad Hoc opened its first office in London two years ago, so I contacted them to offer to set up a northern operation."

Nick plans to base the company in York, and is already in talks with major organisations in the area about taking on suitable buildings to renovate. If you have a vacant property, or you'd like to be considered as a guardian, email him at N.Hilton@adhoc.eu.