Leeds estate agency marks first birthday

When Linley & Simpson launched its 11th and newest office in the sought-after Leeds suburb of Chapel Allerton, it did so with a team of six. Now, after a year of success in which it has sold £7.8m of property, the branch on Harrogate Road now employs 12 people.

Branch manager Daniel Bond said: “We are very much a ‘people’ business rather than merely a ‘bricks and mortar’ one and are delighted to draw upon the pool of home-grown talent that exists in the area and provide more local jobs.

“We pride ourselves on being very much at the heart of the community, supporting a number of local good causes, such as St Gemma’s Hospice, and working closely with Chapel Allerton Primary School over the past year. We also strive to be a good neighbour and back other members of the Chapel Allerton business community wherever possible.

“We turn to them first when we need a prize or incentive to support one of our marketing campaigns or competitions.”

The last 12 months has seen the agency, which specialises in both residential sales and lettings, go from strength to strength as Chapel Allerton’s popularity as a place to live and work continues to grow.

Daniel added: “Thanks to the skills of our staff, we have exchanged on 72 per cent of properties that we have secured the client’s instructions to sell – higher than the industry average of 65 per cent.

The letting specialism of the branch has helped more than 20 people every month move into Chapel Allerton.”