Ambitious estate agent buys her third rival in five years

This latest deal cements Nicola Ponsford’s position as the driving force behind the business which was founded in 2004 by her mother and is part of the Northwood franchise empire.

Nicola Ponsford, owner of Northwood Cheltenham. estate agent

Estate agent Nicola Ponsford (main picture), owner of Northwood Cheltenham, has acquired the lettings division of Adams Estate Agents in Winchcombe for an undisclosed sum – the third such deal in five years.

Ponsford bought letting agents David Grundy in Cheltenham in 2019 and later went on to acquire Charterhouse in Cheltenham too.

DRIVING FORCE

This latest deal will expand awareness of the Northwood brand, part of the Belvoir group, in the Winchcombe market and cements Ponsofrd’s position as the driving force behind the business, which was founded in 2004, after she took it over from her mother in 2010.

She says: “We had been looking for another acquisition for some time and are delighted to have successfully completed on the deal.

“When the opportunity was presented, we jumped at it. We thought it would make a good investment because it was a well-run business, and strategically it is a great way to grow our portfolio and get our foot in the Winchcombe market.”

She adds: “Acquisitions are a great way to expand a business quickly. Creating organic growth can be quite tricky these days as the marketplace is incredibly busy and there are so many agents. An acquisition brings increased revenue, plus new recommendations, and referrals, which further boost business.”

LONG ASSOCIATION

Ponsford’s family has a long association with Northwood Cheltenham, as her estate agent mother originally started the business in 2004.

She adds: “My mother sold everything she had, came to an area she didn’t know and into an industry she’d never previously experienced.

“In 2007 when I was 23, I gave up my sales job in Nottingham to help support the business and I’ve never looked back. I absolutely loved growing the business together and building relationships with clients by giving that personal touch you get from a family-run establishment.

“The business was officially signed over to me in 2010, which shows that a franchise can be an asset that not only benefits the original owner but also future generations too.”

Read more about Northwood HERE.


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