Ex-Bairstow Eves franchisees move over to Winkworth

Wednesday 15th February 2012

Two former Bairstow Eves franchisees have moved over to Winkworth. The two offices are in Cheam, and Worcester Park, both on the edge of Greater London.

Both offices will be run by Shaun Amner and Neil Barnes, who became Bairstow Eves franchisees nine years ago.

The pair were unhappy in the wake of Countrywide’s abrupt sale of the Bairstow Eves franchising business to north-based Hunters – although at pains to stress that they had no argument whatever with Hunters.

Amner said: “I have nothing but positive feelings towards Hunters. We met them several times and Kevin Hollinrake is a really great guy. We were very impressed by Hunters’ passion and commitment. Our issue was to do with having to rebrand to Hunters because of our geographical location.

“Rebranding to Hunters would in many ways have been a great improvement, but we had bought into Bairstow Eves because of its name.”

Amner said that Countrywide seemed to him to have taken little interest in the Bairstow Eves franchising business. He said he felt it had been ‘abandoning’ the brand, changing some Bairstow Eves offices to Gascoigne Pees, and that it had not invested in technology.

“We felt we were guardians of the brand and we were far from happy,” he said.

He said he, like many other Bairstow Eves franchisees - who formed an action group to challenge the sale -  was furious with the way the business was sold. “I was away on holiday when I picked up an urgent email asking the franchisees to ring a number for a conference call, but it wasn’t even that – just a pre-recorded message. Fortunately, it was the last two days and not the first two days – otherwise, it would have ruined my entire holiday.”

Amner said that the sale also came at a time when he and Barnes were locked into a long contract with Bairstow Eves. However, when their unhappiness about having to rebrand to Hunters became apparent, he said that Hunters’ boss Hollinrake had helped them draw up an exit agreement. “They were extremely fair and reasonable,” he said.

The business partners approached Winkworth – ironically having been turned down ten years previously: “At that time, we lacked experience and Winkworth would not take us on. By contrast, Countrywide was perfectly happy to take our money.”

Amner added: “We are now absolutely delighted to become part of the Winkworth group. The Winkworth name has been synonymous with professionalism and excellence within the London property market for over 175 years.

“Our offices in Worcester Park and Cheam are a perfect fit with Winkworth's strategy to extend their prominent London positioning into prime commuter belt locations.

“We look forward to combining the strength of the Winkworth brand and vast London network with our local expertise in order to provide our clients with an unparalleled level of service.”

James Trimble, Winkworth director of franchising, said: “Cheam and Worcester Park form part of Winkworth’s natural growth within London’s commuter belt and will complement our existing 15 south-west London offices in the area.” He said he had received approaches from other Bairstow Eves franchisees.

Winkworth, which is listed on AIM, has announced major expansion plans and has already this year added to its network of offices in Canterbury.