Controversial hub opens as Humberts goes "high tech, high touch"

Humberts’ revolution continues apace as it opens its first controversial hub in Dorset and accompanies it with a brand new vocabulary too.

The agency announced back in July that it would ultimately be scrapping most or all of its traditional branches and would instead go to so-called Hubs, favoured by new owner Matt Spence and his holiday lettings-focussed Natural Retreats company.

Now the first Hub has opened in Poundbury on the edge of Dorchester.

A statement from the company says: Humberts continues its journey going from strength to strength as it moves to its first high tech, high touch 5,000 square foot brand new hub … in conjunction with launching its lifestyle concierge, Humberts Living.”

It says Poundbury - famous for its design inspiration coming from Prince Charles - “was important for Humberts when choosing its first Hub location, to put emphasis back into engagement with its clients on a personal level, favouring a refreshing new day-to-day dynamic, renouncing the traditional impersonal estate agent office approach.”

Then comes some job titles unfamiliar to traditional agents.

Humberts says its hub will be home to a “Base Team” and a number of “Property Consultants” to discuss any aspect of sales, letting and commercial property.

The Hub will provide a range of other services according to the statement ”including gardening, removals, utility-switching and planning-related services.” There will also be “a first-class club-style lounge for the local community to use for networking and events.”

Hub regional manager Natalie Hingley says: “The first Humberts Hub is leading the way for us as a company in showcasing our new high tech, high touch philosophy in a brand-new building fit for purpose. We aim to be a key location for our local community and encourage all those that are interested in what we’re doing to come down and say hello. Myself and the team look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces soon, as well as revealing more exciting updates over the coming months.”