Newton Fallowell’s top franchisees sweep the board
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Click here for Newton Fallowell Newark branch team win Sales Office of the Year award
Click here for Newton Fallowell Lincoln office Peter Sandy best franchisee winner
Click here for picture 1 Newton Fallowell Annual Conference
Click here for picture 2 Newton Fallowell Annual Conference
Newton Fallowell’s Newark estate agency franchise, headed by Neil Sime, has scooped the top award for sales performance, announced at a black tie dinner attended by over 200 members of the fast-growing East Midlands estate agency network.
Also winning a top award, for best franchisee, was Peter Sandy of Lincoln’s Newton Fallowell branch.
More than 200 people joined the awards presentation, which was held at the end of the company’s annual conference at the prestigious Belton Woods Hotel near Grantham, the town which remains home for the Newton Fallowell head office.
The conference saw franchisees and staff from all 27 branches in the network come together to celebrate record growth across the brand during the past year, which saw 10 new franchises open across the East Midlands.
Said franchise director David Spackman: “The conference is a major event in our calendar, and an important platform for the launch of new initiatives and partnerships, as well as giving everyone an opportunity to share and learn from what’s happening elsewhere in the group.
“It’s great to see the numbers taking part continue to grow, year on year, reflecting the continuing rise of the brand and the success of our growth strategy.”
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, Newton Fallowell is the largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands with a network of 27 branches providing property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice. A family business, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Leicester.
ENDS [254 words]
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell
Direct line: 01476 584163 Mobile: 07986 555496 Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About Newton Fallowell
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, an estate agent and industry specialist since 1976, Newton Fallowell is a family business extending to a network of 27 branches. The largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Leicester. Services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
Newton Fallowell’s Burton franchisee celebrates 10 year high
For franchise media:
Click here to download high res images from Flickr
Managing director Simon Shilton celebrates 10 years of trading and looks back at the highs and lows of the last decade
With minimal funds and limited knowledge of running a business, some might say that Simon Shilton was taking a gamble when he set up his Newton Fallowell estate agency franchise in Burton upon Trent a decade ago.
But his deep personal knowledge of the local area, combined with practical experience in the property market, gave him the head start he needed, combined with support from those around him, which he says has been invaluable.
“I was lucky enough to have the support of my father who had 50 years’ experience in business and I also received a huge confidence boost from the directors at Newton Fallowell, and it’s this ongoing support and drive from head office that’s been instrumental in keeping me confident, particularly during the harder times,” he explains.
Fast forward ten years, through one of the worst property crashes the country has seen, and Simon has most definitely weathered the storm. Not only has the branch grown to become one of Burton on Trent’s key property players, but this year has seen record numbers of houses sold and record income for the branch.
“It’s been a cracking year and I’m really proud of my team, all of whom have been with me since the start, but I don’t think we should all assume that the market is going to be fabulous from here on out. I’m naturally cautious and hoping that we can see further stability in both the economy and mortgage market going forward”, adds Simon.
That said, Simon is feeling largely positive about the current climate and attributes the branch’s continued success to their philosophy of offering consistent, quality service to customers and never over-promising or pushing over-zealous aspirations. “It’s all about not making promises you can’t fulfill. If I place a client’s house on the market, I make sure that I can deliver on what I’ve promised”.
Simon explains how being a part of a bigger franchise allows him to enjoy the perks of running his own business, whilst being supported by the umbrella of a larger parent company. “It’s about having the back-up – not just when you need it, but also just knowing it’s there. It’s also the practical support; not having to worry about doing the pay roll or the accounts so that you can simply focus on being an estate agent”.
Looking to the future, Simon plans to leverage the ongoing growth of the Newton Fallowell franchise across the East Midlands to strengthen the brand at a local level. “I grew up in Burton and I can trace my ancestry back around 300 years, so staying local is really important to me. I’m set on growing the business for as long as I can and hopefully involve other family members too.
“For me, the goal is to build a business that is based on both integrity and longevity”.
ENDS
471 words
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell
Direct line: 01476 584163 Mobile: 07986 555496 Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About Newton Fallowell
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, an estate agent and industry specialist since 1976, Newton Fallowell is a family business extending to a network of 27 branches. The largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Bourne. Services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
Local estate agent and proud Burtonian celebrates 10 year high
For Burton upon Trent media:
Click here to download high res images from Flickr
Simon Shilton, branch director of Newton Fallowell in Burton upon Trent, looks back at the highs and lows of the last 10 years and the importance of his local roots
The past decade has seen Newton Fallowell branch director Simon Shilton become one of the biggest agents in town, thanks to his local knowledge and contacts, combined with some bold business tactics.
With limited funds and concern about the logistics of running his own business, Simon was faced with a challenge when presented with the opportunity to set up and run the Burton upon Trent branch a decade ago.
“I’ll be honest, I was nervous about it. I had almost no savings and was worried whether I had enough business experience to make it work”, he says. In the end, it was Simon’s father, a local business man with over 50 years’ experience in haulage, who gave him the final push he needed.
The doors were opened in November 2004 and although Simon had a lot of experience in the property market, it was his knowledge of the local area that proved most valuable. A Burtonian born and bred, Simon grew up and went to school in the area. “My family has always had close ties with the area and my local roots were an important factor in my decision to take on the Burton branch”, he explains.
However, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Station Street agents. Although the branch was set up during a buoyant market, it soon experienced one of the worst property crashes in decades and Simon has had to work hard to weather the storm, although that’s been helped by being able to share and learn from his colleagues in the other 26 branches of the Newton Fallowell group, which stretch across the East Midlands.
More recently, Simon also had to contend with an unexpected fire which spread from a neighbouring building and resulted in serious damage to the Burton office. “It was obviously a shock when we heard what had happened, but head office were great and within a day we had managed to secure a short term office on New Street and we were back to business as usual” he explains.
Since opening its doors a decade ago, the branch has grown to become one of Burton on Trent’s biggest property players, with this year seeing record numbers of houses sold and record income for the Burton branch.
“It’s been a cracking year and I’m really proud of my team. They’ve all been with me from the very start and they’ve stuck with it through the good times and the challenging times”, says Simon, who attributes the branch’s continued success to a philosophy that deliberately set out to be different.
“As a team, we never over-promise and we always put customers first. We even offer special cooling off terms for new customers,” explains Simon. “Some agents may think we’re bonkers to offer this, but to us it’s all part of the service”.
Despite the branch’s recent prosperity, Simon is tentative when it comes to the strengthening property market. “I don’t think we should assume that the market is going to be fabulous from here on. I’m naturally cautious and am hoping that we can see further stability in both the economy and mortgage market going forward”.
So, what does the future hold for the Burton branch? For Simon, it’s all about staying true to his family’s roots. “Staying local is really important to me. I’d love to continue to grow the business for as long as I can and hopefully involve other family members too. The goal is to build a business that is based on integrity and longevity.”
ENDS [598 words]
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell
Direct line: 01476 584163 Mobile: 07986 555496 Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About Newton Fallowell
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, an estate agent and industry specialist since 1976, Newton Fallowell is a family business extending to a network of 27 branches. The largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Bourne. Services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
Innovation name of the game for LawNet awards
Innovation was the name of the game at this year’s LawNet awards, with the collaborative network celebrating the contribution of the winning firms who showcased their strategies for success.
Leading the winners by scooping the Law Firm of the Year was Warner Goodman LLP.
Announcing the awards, Chris Marston, chief executive of LawNet, said: “The aim of our annual awards is to get to the heart of what makes an innovative law firm, underpinned by a commitment to excellence, and these were outstanding examples of that ethos.”
Warner Goodman LLP has experienced record growth through its focus on strong financial management, combined with a commitment to client care and staff well-being. The strategy has delivered a 20% increase in turnover year on year and a dramatic rise in net profit margins.
Said Ian Curtis, managing partner of Warner Goodman: “It’s a very proud moment for us, and a fantastic testament to the great staff we have.”
Joint winners of the Young Lawyer of the Year award were Lorna Barry of Aylesbury-based Parrott and Coales LLP, who has been showing how to leverage networks to create new revenue streams, and Ben Ward of Ashton KCJ, who has been recognised by the Legal 500 at only 3 years PQE, and is already successfully carving out his own specialism.
Andrew and Co in Lincoln scooped Best Innovation for showing a clear line of sight between strategy and implementation in the development of an 'Energy and Renewables' team that has seen them become sector leaders in a very short period of time.
In the East of England, Ashton KCJ’s digital marketing won them top prize for the second year running, securing the Best Digital Presence award for their company-wide culture of online activity and contribution, which has resulted in tangible business benefits.
Team of the Year went to the Compliance Team at West Midlands-based FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors, for demonstrating the power of collaboration to improve processes, drive efficiency and foster a culture of compliance across the wider firm.
Best Community Contribution went to Belfast firm Cleaver Fulton Rankin for their company-wide fundraising events and effective protocols on recycling and power consumption.
Hay & Kilner received the Mark of Excellence award, having posted the most impressive combined performance across mystery shopping and online client satisfaction measurement.
Added Chris Marston: “The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the contribution our members are making to the standing of the LawNet network, as well as recognising the staff behind these outstanding outcomes.
“We set high quality and management standards for members, and that helps to maintain the parity between our firms, which in turn leads to a cooperative powerhouse effect, where everyone benefits from collaboration and networking – and that’s evident in this year’s award winners.”
The award winners:
Law Firm of the Year Warner Goodman LLP : Sponsored by Wilkinson Read & Partners
Team of the Year FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors : Sponsored by Baker Tilly
Young Lawyers of the year Lorna Barry, Parrott and Coales LLP and
Ben Ward, Ashton KCJ : Sponsored by Landmark and STL
Best Innovation Andrew and Co : Sponsored by TikitTFB
Best Community Contribution Cleaver Fulton Rankin : Sponsored by Lloyds Bank
Best Digital Presence Ashton KCJ, sponsored by Conscious Solutions
LawNet Mark of Excellence Hay & Kilner : Sponsored by Law League
Pictured (left to right): Ben Ward, Ashton KCJ; Chris Marston, LawNet; Abby Winkworth, IBB; Niall Blackie of FBC Manby Bowdler; Mary Porch, Ashton KCJ; Ian Curtis, Warner Goodman LLP; Kim Carr, FBC Manby Bowdler; Phillip Hoskins, Andrew & Co; Karen Blair, Cleaver Fulton Rankin; Helen Hamilton-Shaw, LawNet
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 64 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £20m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Having your cake and eating it
Pictured (left to right) :
LawNet board members were joined by head office staff to celebrate the network’s 25 year anniversary. Philip Hoskins of Andrew & Co; LawNet chairman Rob Salisbury of Gamlins; founder Simon Maddox; Nicolle Warren, LawNet finance & administration manager ; Chris Marston, LawNet chief executive and Simon Gittings of Stamp Jackson & Procter.
LawNet, the national network for independent law firms, is marking its 25th anniversary with a call for independent firms to innovate.
And that will be the message for the network’s annual conference, when nearly 200 members from firms across the country take part later this month, (November 2014). A programme of high profile experts will be outlining how to adopt an innovative mindset, develop a strategy and structure the business in a way that put innovation at its heart.
Originally conceived as a collective purchasing group when it was set up in 1989, LawNet is well known for its long established professional indemnity scheme, which helps to stabilise and reduce premiums for firms through a member scheme with £1.2bn of premium buying power. But twenty-five years on, the network’s offering now extends across quality accreditation, networking, practice development, marketing and CPD learning alongside its buying power.
This will be the first conference for new LawNet chief executive Chris Marston, who previously developed the professional practices division for Lloyds Banking Group. After taking over earlier this year, he is now spearheading a major growth plan for the network, with a focus on progressive firms who wish to remain independent but want to collaborate on the things that matter.
“As we move into our next quarter-century, our focus is firmly on innovation and helping our firms to succeed,” said Chris Marston.
“We set high quality and management standards for members, and that helps to maintain the parity between our firms, which in turns leads to a cooperative powerhouse effect, where everyone benefits from collaboration and networking.”
“We’ve recruited four new member firms in as many months since my arrival, and that tells me there is value in a mutual model that protects the identity of well-managed SME-sized firms.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 64 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £20m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Newton Fallowell’s growth spurt adds four more franchises
In the press: bit.ly/1wy4Rbk bit.ly/1trXK48
Four new franchise areas are signed up by fast-growing East Midlands’ estate agency Newton Fallowell, making a total of 10 so far this year
Click here to download high res version of this image from Flickr
Newton Fallowell has announced the completion of four further franchise agreements, as part of the long term growth strategy by the fast-growing East Midlands estate agency to extend its geographic footprint.
The franchises have been signed for Loughborough, Syston, East Leake and Rothley, all in Leicestershire. And two of the new signings are with existing franchisees, looking to grow their own footprint through additional branch offices.
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton (pictured, second left), Newton Fallowell is the largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands with a network of 27 branches providing property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice. A family business, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Leicester.
Said Mark Newton: “It’s great to see this organic growth in our franchisees – it’s a real endorsement that we’re getting it right for them. This takes us to ten new franchise areas this year, and we continue to push forward on our strategy to open new offices in the few areas of the East Midlands that aren’t yet wearing our colours.”
Franchisee Simon Hewitt, now involved in four Newton Fallowell franchises, added: “The initial draw of Newton Fallowell for me was the opportunity to grow and take on new branches. Head Office is actively looking for the right people to take on new areas and so if you’re ambitious, the opportunity and the support are there waiting. With so many aspects of the business already set up, it really gives you a head start and, most importantly, people already know and trust the brand.”
Richard Morris, who has taken on franchises at Loughborough and East Leake, said: “What’s great is being able to demonstrate to potential clients the best of both worlds – the strength of delivering a personal service, as this is my own independent business, combined with Newton Fallowell’s extensive coverage and partner network.”
Picture caption: Pictured, left to right, following the signing of the new franchise areas, David Newton, director of IT & marketing, Mark Newton, chief executive, Andrew Derry, finance director, Gary Hartley, director, David Spackman, franchise director, with franchisees Craig Stephens, Simon Hewitt and Richard Morris
ENDS [350 words]
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell
Direct line: 01476 584163 Mobile: 07986 555496 Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About Newton Fallowell
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, an estate agent and industry specialist since 1976, Newton Fallowell is a family business extending to a network of 27 branches. The largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, it has branches from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Leicester. Services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
LawNet members put in peak performance
LawNet members have been hitting new heights in the past few weeks.
But it’s not the latest legal hotlist where they have been showing their prowess this time, instead they’ve been raising money for charity, by conquering no less than nine challenging mountain peaks across the country.
First, 67 brave-hearted hikers from member firms across the country, took part in the Six Peaks Challenge in the Lake District, facing high winds as they ascended to 5800 feet, in a 14 mile trek, which saw the first home arriving in well under 8 hours.
And just one month later, nine of the walkers set out on an even bigger challenge – to tackle the national Three Peaks Challenge, scaling over 11,000 feet by ascending Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Ben Nevis in Scotland in less than 24 hours. The first team members made it in just 23 hours and 5 minutes, with all of the team successfully completing within the 24 hour window.
So far, almost £6,000 has been raised by the challenges, as part of LawNet’s ‘Challenge25’ raising money for Marie Curie, Midlands Air Ambulance and NSPCC to mark the network’s 25th anniversary.
“Conditions can change in an instant on the mountainside, and unpredictable weather coupled with the challenge of walking in pitch black on Ben Nevis, our last peak, certainly proved to be one of the toughest elements of a very trying, yet satisfying 24 hours for our extreme Three Peaks Challenge” said George Coombes, LawNet’s marketing & services manager, who organises the annual challenge for the 67-strong membership of independent firms. Previous events have included the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and Striding Edge to Helvellyn.
Each of the challenges is overseen by a support team of mountaineering experts, although the next challenge on the agenda is more likely to demand the services of a professional diver, as a team of head office LawNet staff will be taking on the Winter Wolf Run in November, a 10k multi-terrain assault course with ice cold lakes, muddy forests and other energy-zapping obstacles.
LawNet chief executive Chris Marston added: “It’s great to see the determination and enthusiasm of the members taking part and I’m looking forward to watching from the sidelines when the LawNet team face up to the Wolf Run next month.”
To support their Challenge, visit the JustGiving page: http://bit.ly/1xkYvfd
Pictured:
Extreme Challenge Team Members on Scafell Pike, the second peak of the day (left to right):
Peter Greenlees of DNA Design, George Coombes of LawNet, James Couzens of Parrott & Coales LLP Brendan Rimmer of Sherwood Solicitors, Michael Frape of Ashton KCJ, Kirstie Johnson of Lamb Brooks LLP, Carolyn Snellgrove and Claire Hughes of Gamlins and Rhodri Roberts of Cullimore Dutton.
Gallery at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lawnet/
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing, Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet, Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 64 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £20m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Mark Newton comments for the Daily Express
Mark Newton, Chief Executive of Newton Fallowell has been commenting on the news that national statistics show that higher number of property sales are failing to complete. He said:
"We suffered high fall-through rates for a period of about three months, although things appear to be back to normal now.
"The normal fall-through rate comprises three distinct phases:
- Buyer remorse within a few days of agreement “what have I done?”
- At survey, if and when problems are found
- At the ‘altar’, when final negotiations take place
"During May/June/August the fall-through rate increased from the usual 25% to around 40%, but was not due in my opinion to picky buyers and sellers, but two other factors:
1. Mortgage Market Review (MMR) which put a whole new set of hurdles in the way of buyers
2. Conveyancers who were overwhelmed by the increase in the market and hadn’t scaled up
Mark's top tips:
- Check that whoever you choose to do your conveyancing has the capacity to deliver
- For buyers, get a nod on your mortgage before making an offer and for sellers, make sure your agents is pushy in finding out buyer credentials and whether they can afford to buy
- Don’t be too quick to nail up the ‘sold’ sign when you get an offer - if you have to take it back down, it can make other buyers think there’s something wrong with your property, so better to wait and see if the offer holds firm
- If you know there are problems likely to come up during survey, don’t bury your head in the sand
- Another important thing is to make sure you have all the paperwork in order before you go on the market as conveyancers acting for buyers are increasingly zealous in demanding certificates for work done - e.g. FENSA for windows or CORGI for a new boiler
About Newton Fallowell
Newton Fallowell is the largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, with a network of 25 branch offices. Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice. The company has grown through a franchise model.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell Direct line: 01476 584163 Mobile: 07986 555496 Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Property agents join forces for bigger bite of residential pie
Tie up between two independent leaders widens the gap in the East Midlands as Newton Fallowell merge with Hartleys
Newton Fallowell has merged with Hartleys, reinforcing the firm’s position as the largest independent estate agency across the East Midlands, and now fielding a combined network of 25 branch offices.
Against a backdrop of the region’s strengthening property market, the two companies have struck the strategic alliance to fuel future expansion in residential markets, pointing to the natural geographic fit of the combined network of offices.
Now stretching across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, the collaboration between the two firms will bring operational efficiencies and a wider customer base for sellers, although both will continue to trade under their current branding and will retain all staff at existing branches.
Hartleys has been the dominant property agent in the Loughborough and Charnwood areas for the last five years, with a core market ranging from semi detached properties up to £1m individual village houses.
Under the deal, Gary Hartley, eponymous founder of the Hartley chain in 1995 and a former England rugby international, will become an executive director of Newton Fallowell, bringing four branches and 25 sales staff into the merged group.
Newton Fallowell, founded by chief executive Mark Newton in 1999, has 21 branches and 150 staff across the region. The merger has grown out of a long standing relationship between Hartley and Newton, who worked together as chartered surveyors in the 1980s, before each setting up their respective businesses, which have gone on to grow side by side.
“We have a team of young and ambitious branch managers, all looking to go places. This merger will provide major opportunities for growth, thanks to the resources of the combined group and the bigger geographic territory, and enable our managers to take greater ownership at branch level, within a strong and supportive infrastructure,” explained Gary Hartley.
He added: “Customers won’t see any change in the people they deal with, or the style of delivery - just in the results we are able to achieve. The message is ‘business as usual’ – it’s not a buy-out, it’s not a takeover – we’re just part of a bigger family.”
The Hartleys lettings business is not included in the agreement, and will continue to trade as a stand-alone business, with Gary Hartley remaining as senior partner.
Newton Fallowell chief executive Mark Newton added: “This deal is about creating a win-win opportunity for both firms. Unwinding the residential sales operation from Hartleys to merge with us at Newton Fallowell will give extra muscle for future expansion and keep us ahead of the game. Market conditions have improved considerably in the region, but it’s still tough and there are major changes in the mortgage market for buyers to contend with.
“We’ve increased our footprint by 25% overnight and the bigger network is going to bring benefits for both buyers and sellers, by opening the door to a much increased customer base.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
David Newton, Director of IT & Marketing, Newton Fallowell Email: david.newton@newtonfallowell.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About Newton Fallowell
Founded in 1999 by CEO Mark Newton, an estate agent and industry specialist since 1976, Newton Fallowell is a family business extending to a network of 21 branches, before this merger announcement, from Burton on Trent to Boston, and from Retford down to Bourne. Services include property sales and letting, surveying, in–house conveyancing and mortgage advice.
Twitter: @MarkOnProperty
About Hartleys
An independent practice of Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents established in 1995 by Managing Director Gary Hartley, has become a multi disciplined practice covering residential sales and lettings, land and new homes, mortgage advice and professional surveying. The firm’s flagship property showroom is based in the market town of Loughborough, serving the property market across Charnwood and Leicestershire, with other village branches based in their individual local communities, including Rothley, East Leake, Syston and Woodhouse Eaves.
www.hartleys-ea.co.uk
Twitter: @HartleysEA
Sector specialist announced as new head of LawNet
Chris Marston has been appointed as the new chief executive of member network LawNet, one of the leading providers of specialist support for law firms in the UK and Ireland.
He will start in the new role in July, taking over from outgoing chief executive John Thomas, who is stepping down after fifteen years at the helm.
A career banker, Marston is currently head of professional practices at Lloyds Banking Group, leading a team of specialist bankers, in a role that was established at his instigation. He is a member of the Law Society’s Law Management Section and recently participated in the ‘Survive & Thrive’ roadshows delivered by the LMS around the country. As well as a long history of working with the legal sector, he spent many years in commercial banking, working with owner-managed businesses of all sizes.
The appointment was made by the LawNet board, whose directors are drawn from firms within the membership of the network, which operates on a non-profit making, mutual basis.
In announcing the change at the top of LawNet, chairman Rob Salisbury, senior partner of Gamlins in North Wales, said: “John has led LawNet for the past fifteen years, during which time he has focused on continually improving member benefits, growth of the network and financial stability. He leaves a strong legacy and I know Chris is looking forward to the challenges ahead, ensuring the network continues to progress and grow.”
Retiring chief executive John Thomas said: “It has been a privilege to lead LawNet and see it develop and mature and it is comforting to be leaving it in very capable hands.”
Chris Marston added: “It’s an honour to step into John’s shoes and they are big ones to fill. I am looking forward to working with the central team and the membership to continue to grow the network.
“I’ve been closely involved with law firms throughout the recent seismic changes experienced by the sector. We’ve seen more change in the past 5 years than in the previous 100, so I understand the challenges, but also the need for commerciality. That’s where I’ll be focussed in driving forward the LawNet proposition in future.”
Marston will be working with LawNet’s head office central team, including Helen Hamilton Shaw, who continues in the role of director of services and Peter Riddleston, recently appointed head of learning.
LawNet currently comprises 64 member firms, with a combined turnover in excess of £250m that gives weight to the network’s buying power and its well-regarded professional indemnity insurance scheme. The network also gives members a route to ISO 9001 quality accreditation, a client service charter and free CPD training plus a host of flexible benefits.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 64 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK