Estate agency merges with competitor just before 50th anniversary
Howick and Brooker, which was established in 1975, is to become part of the TPFG group agency and local competitor, Mullucks.
An estate agency getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary has rebranded and joined a local competitor operated by The Property Franchise Group.
Family-run independent estate agency Howick & Brooker based in Old Harlow has now become the third branch of Hertfordshire and Essex firm Mullucks which has offices in Bishop’s Stortford and Saffron Walden. Mullucks became part of the TPFG group in 2019.
Howick & Brooker was launched in 1975 by Alan Howick, who joined the industry in 1967, and initially managed by Barbara Brooker.
The pair entered into a business partnership in 1986 and went on to build up Howick and Brooker, which became a successful local independent agency specialising in residential property sales and lettings.
Howick says the pair are now moving on to the ‘next chapter’ of their estate agency careers.
Mullucks MD Daniel Galati (main image) says: “This is a very exciting opportunity for everyone concerned as there is a great deal of synergy between the brands, which share a similar business ethos and market expertise.
“It seemed a natural time for Alan and Barbara to take a step back and allow someone else to take the helm.
“I was delighted when they approached me with a view to merging the business and rebranding to Mullucks.”
Mullucks was established in the area during the same decade as Howick and Brooker. Galati joined 17 years ago and soon afterwards became a shareholder and director.
“This new business development has raised brand awareness for Mullucks in the local area and significantly expanded our lettings portfolio,” he adds.
The family connections to the Old Harlow branch remains, with Barbara’s sons Paul and Giles, and Howick’s son remaining with the agency.
“Howick and Brooker was an independent family run business that was very successful for many years, but the opportunity to join the Mullucks family and to work with a brand and business with the same ethos has been really good,” says Paul Brooker, who is the firm’s sales director.
“The response from our clients has been excellent.”
