Humberts is hoping to grow its franchise network this year after appointing a head of franchising to lead the charge.

Nick Evans, formerly head of residential sales across the agency brand, will take on the newly created position from his local branch in Sherborne, Dorset.

Humberts, which first announced a franchise strategy in 2016, said eight branches are currently franchises.

Evans told EYE: “Historically our franchises have occurred organically, typically through personal contacts and associations.

“We are now looking to actively promote the opportunities that exist, in areas where we have no direct aspirations to open corporately.

“We are looking for franchise partners who share our own culture and aspirations, and those that will readily see the strength in either opening up fresh territory with the support and brand that we can offer, as well as existing businesses which may want to adopt a national brand and avail themselves of all the scale benefits that can accrue as part of a larger network.

“We think that this is especially attractive to existing businesses in an industry that is undergoing considerable change and at a time when margins are under pressure.”

Meanwhile, Tim Simmons, who has been with Humberts for almost two decades and currently manages the Yeovil branch, has been named as head of residential sales.

He said: “We expect 2018 to be a similar year to 2017, with little growth in property values.

“A ‘back to basics’ approach of service standards and attention to detail will be instrumental to the success of the business.”