Two estate agency firms have merged under a single brand, bringing three family members together into one business at the same time.

The move sees Paton & Co join forces with Peter Graham and Associates, creating a combined agency that will operate across the Borders, Northumberland, the Highlands and Northeast Scotland.

And Patrick Paton (pictured right) and his wife Celia (centre) join forces with her father, Peter Graham (left), as partners in the business.

Key factor

The involvement of family across both sides of the merger has been a key factor in aligning the two businesses, they say.

The combined company will bring together a team of more than 20 professionals under the Paton & Co brand.

Patrick Paton, Managing Partner at Paton & Co, says: “This is a natural progression for us. We have built a strong presence in the Borders and Northumberland, and this merger allows us to expand that reach while staying true to the way we work.

“For our clients, this is about access to a broader range of expertise while continuing to deal with the same trusted people.”

There have been approaches from larger firms, but they don’t want me or my team – they want my clients.”

Peter Graham, Owner of Peter Graham Associates, says: “Over the years there have been approaches from larger firms, but they don’t want me or my team – they want my clients, and that was never something I was prepared to accept.

“I wanted to find a way to transition the business that protected those relationships. My clients deserve better than being absorbed into a corporate model where the focus is on fees rather than the individual.

“This is about bringing together two businesses with the same ethos. We are not taking anything away – we are adding services and strengthening what we already do.”

Picture: Gary Murison