Connells Group reveals first results from huge branch refurbishment scheme
The industry giant tells The Neg exclusively that the first branches to get a significant makeover have been completed including Alan de Maid office in Kent.
Connells Group has revealed that its huge branch refurbishment programme is under way in earnest including nearly 40 that have been or are nearing completion.
Since announcing the refurbishment and upgrades earlier this year, Connells Group has told The Neg that by the end of 2026 some 38 branches will have been given makeovers with a further 50 being prepared for improvement next year.
One of the first is estate agency Alan de Maid’s Locksbottom, Kent branch (main and other pictures) and Bridgfords in Leeds.
But Connells Group’s teams have their work cut out – the company operates some 1,200 branches across its estate including both Connells branches and those operated by its 86 other brands most of which joined following its acquisition of Countrywide five years ago.
“Being on the high street is very important to us,” says Connells Group Chief Executive Helen Charlesworth. “Investing in our spaces is important for both our teams and customers and what we didn’t want to do is just paint the walls, stick a map on the wall and put some fresh carpets in.
“Instead, we wanted to move with the times and signify that we are forward thinking and therefore Project Blueprint was born.
The company’s COO Chris Rosindale, who is overseeing the project, says the upgrades are already bearing fruit.
“What’s amazing is that not only do staff and customers welcome the improved environment the upgrades achieve, but also we’re seeing branch KPIs improve,” he says.
“That includes market share growth and we’re doing six month reviews after each refurbishment to see if we’re getting a return on our investment in the branches.
“If a potential vendors for example looks at any estate agencies’ branch in a town and it appears tired then they are less likely to instruct than compared to a competitor whose branch facia looks smart and the interior clean and inviting.”
Winning business
Charlesworth adds: “It’s clear people sub-consciously assess branches and vote with their feet – winning businesses look successful.”
But the pair admit that the process is not cheap to do but say it’s worth the investment even if at this run rate it will take a while to get the entire estate refurbished and in an environment where a weak sales market recently saw its profits reduce.
It has been reported that the upgrades across the group include 15,000 new PCs and telephones plus more digital display tech for branch windows, as evidenced by the pictures of the Locksbottom branch.
