Hunters continues expansion with four new offices in the south east

Estate agents Hunters has welcomed Black & White Estates Ltd to its expanding network.

The new branches in Ashford, Folkestone, Hythe and Tenterden build on Hunters’ continued expansion in the south east, and will join a string of Hunters offices already well established in the region.

With this latest expansion, Hunters now independently owns over 165 branches nationwide.

Hunters opened its first branch 23 years ago in York.

The network is mainly franchised and now has branches nationwide in cities across the UK including London, Birmingham, Exeter, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Hunters also has an office in Alicante, Spain.

In 2015 alone, the Hunters network grew by 50 new locations, ensuring the group is well on track to meet their target of over 500 offices in five years’ time.

Andy Bushell, sales director of Hunters Property Plc, said: “We are delighted to have Black & White Estates on-board and look forward to what promises to be a very successful future working together under the Hunters umbrella.

“We have a strong pipeline in place for next year and I expect the network to expand to 170 offices by year end and start 2016 very positively. Throughout the year we have been receiving unprecedented levels of interest across the country with enquiries for both new start-up operations and conversions of independent agencies.

“A major reason for this level of interest is the re-assurance they are joining an established and successful national brand with great exposure - Hunters launched its first national TV commercial this year – and proven track record in both sales and lettings.

He added: “Businesses are able to fully utilise the entire Hunters package upon joining us, which includes full marketing and training support and resources, advanced technology and significant group discounts. Whilst supporting these companies we are able to monitor their success and the current year on year growth rate averages at 36% for converting agencies, proving that becoming a Hunters franchise really works.”

Rob Stewart, who will be franchise owner of the four new Hunters Kent offices, commented: “I’m proud to be part of one of the country’s leading estate agents and am looking forward to being part of a proactive and expanding organisation.

“Having previously opened three offices in five years I felt I needed support for our rapidly expanding business. Hunters were the obvious choice for us to work with, they share the same ethics we have and show a similar desire to grow quickly. The other key factors included the ability to access potential buyers throughout the UK network and the fantastic marketing support Hunters offer.”

Black & White Estates Ltd joined Hunters officially on 28 October 2015.