April 2008

A record year...

LONDON estate agency Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward have announced a record year with a turnover of £60 million in 2007 — and hope to expand this year despite what their managing director readily admits is a tough market.

Lee Watts told the audience at the company’s annual awards ceremony: “Despite the second half of 2007 bringing some very difficult market conditions, I am pleased to announce that our combined operations have achieved yet another record year — with group revenues achieving just short of £60 million.

“During the last few years we have focused on and invested in consolidating and growing our existing operations rather than expanding our office network. This has been a successful policy as we have achieved considerable growth — the company has doubled in size over the last five years. In 2008, although we are still facing a tough market, we are continuing our branch refurbishment programme and have recently acquired two new premises, which we hope to open over the next 12 months once we are satisfied that market conditions have stabilised.”

...and a 10-office closure

THE tough current market conditions have prompted the closure of a 10-branch Your Move franchise in the South West.

Oliver Scarlett was forced to call in administrators although some management and staff jobs have been saved by Your Move, which itself recently shed 12 branches and more than 300 jobs.