Property firm eyes another century with six-figure loan

A historic property management agency is eyeing another century of success after securing six-figure support to expand with a takeover.

Fishers has bought Whittle Estates & Property Services.

Bosses say the move will bolster its portfolio to about 750 properties and more than 350 landlords, and help lay down roots to “still be thriving in another 100 years’ time”.

The move was supported by a £345,000 Midlands Engine Investment Fund II business loan.

Based in Birmingham’s Harborne suburb and nearby Stourbridge, Fishers was founded by George Fisher in 1913 and built its business letting properties in the second city’s affluent Edwardian outskirts.

Director Kay Venables, who took over the business with fellow owner Dean Taylor in a 2020 management buyout, said: “Dean and I are keen to expand the brand while continuing to provide the same personal service.

“We see ourselves as custodians of the business and hope it will still be thriving in another 100 years’ time.”

The firm secured its loan through fund manager Frontier Development Capital.

Ryan Cartwright, of Frontier Development Capital, said: “Fishers is a stalwart of the Birmingham property scene, and has entered a new phase of growth under the ownership of Kay and Dean.”

The £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is overseen by British Business Bank and provides equity investment of up to £5 million and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million to small and medium-sized businesses.

David Tindall, British Business Bank senior investment manager, added: “We look forward to seeing an established and fully integrated company like Fishers continue to build on its success.”

Paul Varley, of Navigate Commercial Finance, provided fundraising advice to the company.

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