Two former Knight Frank agents have purchased a Winkworth franchise in Bath.

Matthew Leonard and Lucy McIlroy have purchased the Winkworth Bath franchise.

It was previously run by Christopher Baker who will separately continue as a franchisee in Exeter

Leonard was previously a partner at Knight Frank and a negotiator for Pritchard & Partners, while McIlroy has been a negotiator for Knight Frank and Cluttons.

Both have lived in Bath for more than 20 years.

Leonard said: “After many years building up our knowledge and love of Bath, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to run our own business in a location that we’re so passionate about.

“Bath is a small but vibrant city and, with so much going on culturally and economically, it’s become a top destination both for people relocating from London and also expats returning to the UK.

“With much regeneration and development taking place around the city, we’re looking forward to reaping the benefits of Winkworth’s large network and client database to maximise the scope of how we can assist local home movers.”

Dominic Agace, chief executive at Winkworth, described the pair as “fantastic new additions to our group who define what we look for in new franchisees – passionate, experienced and highly skilled estate agents who know their local market inside out”.