Newton Fallowell’s Burton franchisee celebrates 10 year high
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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
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
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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