Veteran to lead agency that says it’s “shaking up the industry”

An agent with over 29 years of experience has taken over as  chief executive officer at Humberts - just as the agency is claiming it is “shaking up the estate agent industry.”

Tim Simmons has worked for Humberts for over two decades. 

He began as a junior negotiator at the firm’s Bridport office in 1999, became an associate partner in 2004 and then becoming part of Humberts’ senior management team selling financial services; he then became head of residential. 

Last year he was promoted twice - first to become director of sales and marketing and then chief operating officer following Humberts’ new ownership by leisure and travel firm company Natural Retreats. 

Simmons is believed to have been key to the introduction of hubs - a small number of regional multi-disciplinary centres replacing traditional branches. The hubs offer so-called ‘concierge’ lifestyle services to clients in addition to traditional sales, lettings and property management services.

Simmons was also a major figure in the decision to purchase Scott Bainbridge, a Lake District lettings and sales independent acquired earlier this month.

In the statement announcing Simmons’ latest promotion, Humberts describes itself as “the premier multi-disciplinary property company in the UK” which since moving off the High Street “is shaking up the Estate Agent industry with a high tech, high touch concept offering flexibility to its customers and employees across the counties in which they operate.”

The statement also adds: “With a 175-year heritage, Humberts has adapted to become a relevant company to today’s world while still remaining true to its founding principle of being the best possible agent of the estate.”

Simmons himself says of his elevation: “It is a great honour and extremely humbling experience to grow with Humberts. It is so valuable to be able to inspire one another, share expertise and knowledge. I was originally attracted to the Humberts brand for its portfolio of luxury homes and heritage and I am proud to be working closely with chairman Matt Spence to achieve company growth and new acquisitions and partnerships, as well as keeping Humberts relevant to the modern-day consumer.”