Agency acquirer doubles South Coast presence

Lomond has more than doubled its footprint spanning the South Coast after sealing a new deal for Hampshire agent Beal’s.

The brand employs 80 people and operates out of 10 locations, including Southampton and Portsmouth.

It will link with Lomond’s other brands on the South Coast – Brand Vaughan, which covers Brighton and Hove; and Michael Jones and Company, which has a seven-branch network across West Sussex.

Beal’s lettings portfolio currently stands at more than 2,200 while its residential sales team, which also includes a new homes specialism, launched to market more than £25m worth of property in 2023.

Ed Phillips, chief executive of Lomond, said: “We are thrilled to welcome a company of Beal’s calibre, and a first-class team of people to match, into the Lomond family at the start of what is poised to be an exciting year of growth.

“This represents another major coup for Lomond as it enables us to unlock the potential of a brand new geographical territory. It extends our coverage in this thriving region to more than 75 miles from east to west – stretching from the city to the sea, and the country to the coast.”

The agency’s founder Tony Beal added: “In a fast-moving industry with ever-increasing legislation, we must evolve.

“Investment in retaining and developing our people, expanding our service offering to add value, and using market-leading technology are all necessary to meet the needs of our customers.

“Becoming part of a wider group will provide the level of investment and support needed to strengthen our brand position as Hampshire’s leading local agent and enhance our services to all our clients, whether a seller or a buyer, a landlord or a tenant.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements we have accomplished and the team that has been a part of this journey. Our people are undoubtedly our greatest asset, and with the exciting prospects for the future, they will continue to be at the heart of Beal's success story.”