Historic London agency aims to expand with new franchise offering

London agency Chestertons is launching a franchise offering which will allow businesses outside of the capital to operate under the Chestertons brand for the first time.

Since the New Year, the agency has been developing a franchise offering which will be presented to 'selected operators' across the UK and internationally. 

Franchisees will have access to a package called 'The Chestertons Way'. This will include use of the brand, bespoke training sessions and access to Chestertons' software, which it says has helped the business to remain successful in the ultra-competitive London market in recent years.

The agency, which has 33 London offices and 70 international branches, says it has been investing in its business operations and brand in recent years. This includes development of

'The Chestertons Way', built on systems and processes to help find, win and retain business while increasing profitability. 

There has also been investment in the Chestertons Dashboard, software which collates, sorts and analyses data from various sources, and a Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which includes Chestertons Polo in the Park and work with St Mungo's homeless charity.

The franchise launch comes off the back of a reported doubling of profits in 2018 and the agency's strongest start to any year since 2014 in the first three months of this year.

The operation will be overseen by Gavin Vercoe and Derrick Maguire, both hired in January to work on the project. They have been working with specialist consultancy 'FranCorp' to develop the offering.

Vercoe, who has previously worked for Colliers International Asia, will develop the international operation, while Maguire - who has worked for successful franchise agencies Martin & Co and Belvoir - will manage the UK expansion.

"Chestertons has a globally recognised brand and has developed bespoke software and processes that have provided huge operational benefits to their business," says Vercoe. 

"We are now looking to share this combination of technology and know-how to franchise partners and are confident that it will add value and profitability to their business."

Maguire adds: "It is a very exciting proposition to release this Franchise offering the UK. This is mainly due to the fact that we are an existing heritage brand with tried and tested systems and processes that we can pass on to our Franchisees." 

"We are also committed to provide the best training and support in the market."