Self-employed firm welcomes new Partner to strengthen network

The Agency UK – which was set up by three ex-employees of Purplebricks – has strengthened its team with the arrival of Beth Pollard, former owner of House and Home Bespoke.

She joins as a partner to cover a new area for the agency, Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.

The agency – which says it offers a nationwide network of bespoke personal estate agents - was founded last year and revealed a major expansion in September 2021.

It says its latest recruit brings ‘a wealth of experience, expertise and local knowledge to The Agency UK’ having already spent 15 years in the property industry.

Pollard’s agency journey began with Countrywide in 2007 as a Negotiator. She progressed through the ranks there before moving to work at a number of other large corporates. It was here that Pollard ‘fell in love with property’ and realised she had a bigger dream of owning and running her own agency.

During the pandemic, she launched House and Home Bespoke to provide property sales, lettings, lifestyle management and holiday homes across Leicestershire.

“Seeing it develop from a business plan I wrote on holiday to a well-established brand in the area was amazing. I loved it. However, when the opportunity arose to operate under a bigger umbrella with The Agency UK it was a no-brainer,” Pollard said.

Steph Walker, COO of The Agency UK, added: “The portals are inflating the cost of running an estate agency business to near impossible levels for bespoke/luxury independent agencies. The dim reality is that many will have to shut their doors as competition in the marketplace greatens.

“Here at The Agency UK, we’re applying our knowledge of the British market to the Australian brokerage model and ultimately allowing entrepreneurial estate agents to run their own business with complete autonomy, low overheads, and tremendous backing and support.”

She said that as the brand grows, it gives the Partners ‘even greater power in their marketplace’.

The agency’s latest arrival brings the number of self-employed agents operating under the brand up to 60.

“We’re continuously looking to build our network of knowledgeable and experienced estate agents around the country to provide a hands-on approach to moving,” Walker said. “Beth was the perfect fit for us having successfully operated her own agency in the area. We are extremely pleased to welcome Beth to the family.”

Named as one of the best places to live in the UK in 2022 by the Sunday Times, demand for properties in Melton Mowbray, a hearty foodie market town famous the world-over for its pork pies, remains high.

“We are heading into a tougher market, but the area holds its popularity well due to its very unique and special atmosphere. Away from the market stalls, there is an art deco cinema, a lovely country park, beautiful old buildings and a wealth of history to Melton Mowbray that continues to attract buyers. I really love the area,” Pollard said.

“I’m really looking forward to working in what is looking to be a changing market in the second half of the year, selling beautiful homes across the area and making clients dreams become a reality.”