Former Wales and Lions scrum-half Gareth Davies (pictured) who is also founder of Pembrokeshire-based Blackbear Property has revealed a new branch in Swansea.

The estate agency, which launched less than a year ago, is part-owned by Davies, who won 77 caps for Wales. He claims it has secured ‘the best retail location’ for its new branch office, next to Joe’s Ice Cream in Llansamlet.

We cannot wait to get going in Swansea.”

Davies says: “We cannot wait to get going in Swansea. The team in Pembrokeshire has cut through an old-school market with energy, creativity, and hard work, creating the foundation for us to move faster than we ever expected.”

Sarah Howe (main picture, left) will head up the new branch. Davies says: “We’re thrilled to have Sarah Howe leading the Swansea launch. With over 20 years’ experience in the local market, she’s exactly the person we need to make an immediate impact.”

Blackbear credits its runaway success to its careful blend of the modern and traditional, embracing technology and forming an exclusive partnership with digital agency, The Honey agency, whilst also maintaining a strong high street presence.

Launching alongside the new Swansea branch is Blackbear Finance, headed by Lewis Pike of LJP Mortgages, providing buyers and sellers with an in-house financial solution.

Pike says: “I’m really excited to be working under the Blackbear brand. At LJP Mortgages, we’ve built strong client relationships over the years, and I believe this collaboration is exactly what’s needed to push us to the next level.”

Franchise ambitions

The agency says Swansea is just the start of its ambitious expansion plans. Although both its branches are company-owned, Blackbear is now actively targeting agents to set up franchise operations in areas such as Cardiff, Monmouthshire and Bristol to join what it describes as ‘a brand that’s changing the face of estate agency’ through its full high street presence model.