Five Alive - Franchise agent adds another London branch to empire

Just four months after opening a fourth office of lettings agency Martin & Co in London, franchisee Michael van de Vyver has added a fifth.

Following the acquisition of Lester Smith in October 2023, van der Vyver rebranded the independent’s office as Martin & Co Battersea, adding to his other branches in Chelsea, Battersea Reach and London Riverside.

Now he has launched his fifth office in Chelsea, on the Fulham Road, with Simon Stilwell heading up the branch after nearly 10 years with the company.

van der Vyver says: “April will mark 20 years since I joined Martin & Co and opened the first office on Lots Road. It’s been quite an incredible journey and being able to open a fifth office in such an amazing location in the middle of Chelsea really backs up everything we’ve achieved over those two decades. The new office perfectly complements our existing South West London branches and the team are already doing amazing work for our clients in the area.”

Martin & Co managing director Eric Walker adds: “It’s been less than four months since I last spoke about Michael’s incredible work ethic and appetite for growth, following the launch of his Battersea office. He’s a fantastic leader of great teams across his five offices and I have no doubt he’ll continue to lead and grow his businesses with the flair and professionalism he’s shown over the past 20 years.”