Hortons, one of the first estate agencies to embrace the self-employed model, has revealed its ambition to become a national network after announcing its first representative in Essex.

Founder Adam Horton (pictured), who established his eponymous agency in 2016, says the latest expansion is part of his desire to see its operational footprint spread ‘across the UK’.

The brokerage now has operations now in Essex following its launch into the county – but also existing operations in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, London, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Devon, Nottingham, Rutland and Oxfordshire.

This follows a “wave of new partners joining the firm”, which frames itself as the “creative estate agency”.

“We’re really excited to welcome Danielle Phillips (main image) as a Partner who’s leading the expansion into Essex,” says Adam. “She represents the kind of quality, entrepreneurial talent we’re proud to attract.”

Subject to contract

The company also says it has reported its highest-ever pipeline of sold ‘subject to contract’ properties since launch.

“We’ve stayed true to our values during a time of rapid change in the self-employed space,” adds Horton.

“Our focus has never been on volume for volume’s sake – we’re building a high-quality brand with high-performing agents who are proud to represent it.”

He adds that every agent who has been with the company for more than two months is actively productive which he says is “a claim I don’t think many other brokerages could confidently make.

“With steady growth, a compelling brand, and one of the most productive networks of agents in the country, Hortons is positioning itself as one of the most influential brokerages to watch in the coming years.”