New acquisition means branch has become largest in national agency

The Gainsborough branch of Martin & Co has become the largest single office within the national agency thanks to a fifth acquisition in eight years.

The franchise, owned by Dave and Angela Longstaff since 2012, has most recently acquired 55 properties from independent agent Proctor & Rayner.

That took the branch’s managed portfolio to just under 1,000 properties – the largest single office portfolio in the Group.

“We’ve completed five acquisitions since taking over the branch in 2012, which have all been fairly small portfolios – the biggest was 125 properties. But those grouped together have enabled us to grow the business at a pace that suits us” explains Dave Longstaff.

The couple joined Martin & Co in 2011 when the brand was solely a lettings business and the pair were already operating a successful agency in Gainsborough.

That enabled them to re-brand as Martin & Co and their business became a full Martin & Co franchise in 2012 when they added residential sales.

Ian Wilson, outgoing chief executive of Martin & Co's parent company, The Property Franchise Group, adds: “Dave and Angela epitomise the best of franchisee spirit. They are true entrepreneurs who started their business before we came along, but were happy to join Martin & Co for access to our brand, systems and processes. We preach the advantages of both organic and acquisition growth, and these guys walk the walk.”