CENTURY 21 UK, part of the world’s largest residential estate agency organisation, has announced the opening of six new Century 21 offices within six weeks.
The six new offices include entrepreneurs opening up for the first time, existing operators expanding to additional locations and existing sales and letting agents converting to the CENTURY 21 brand.
Rob Clifford, Chief Executive of CENTURY 21 UK and Group Commercial Director of Shepherd Direct Group, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome all six offices to the CENTURY 21 UK family - we are now in over 40 locations across Great Britain. Our ambitious expansion plans announced in late spring this year are already gaining traction and we plan to have many months ahead which are as successful as August and September 2014 have been in terms of investors and established estate agents choosing our solution.”
Four of the six new offices opened are in London where CENTURY 21 UK has seen the majority of its growth since Shepherd Direct acquired the licence to run the franchise in the UK in 2013.
Clifford added:
“The attraction of this global brand for the London market is of course its worldwide reach. We’re constantly hearing about overseas investors buying stock in the capital, so for anyone looking to start an estate agency business here, the world’s largest estate agency brand is a great choice. It's rightly attracting some exceptional candidates wishing to become part of our global success story.”
“Franchising continues to be an attractive proposition for those wanting to start their own business with the brand, security and support from a proven model. In January 2014 the NatWest and BFA Franchise Survey reported a 7% rise in franchise units across the UK in the past five years, rising to 39,000, with 92% of those units recording they were profitable.
“This coupled with a blossoming market with increased mortgage lending and high demand for rentals makes an estate agency franchise a very attractive proposition right now.”
Hannah Little, Owner of CENTURY 21 Islington, which was the sixth office to open in six weeks, commented:
“We were drawn to CENTURY 21 for many reasons – firstly, the fact it is a major international brand, secondly, those international links provide a range of property opportunities for clients, and also, the major investment and commitment from Shepherd Direct means we are backed by a highly supportive and ambitious Group with over 220 staff behind us. We’re fully aware this is an incredibly competitive marketplace however we feel we have a number of unique selling points and we will be at the heart of a community we know and love.
“This local knowledge, coupled with the national and international support we receive from CENTURY 21 UK, will set us apart from those other agencies competing for business. Our focus is all on the client and we know many people are disillusioned with their options in this marketplace – we assure all those looking for property services that by coming to CENTURY 21 Islington they will receive the highest standards of service available, coupled with an honesty and professionalism they will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.”