Chestertons has unveiled expansion plans both in the UK and overseas, launching a franchise offering that will allow agents outside London to operate under its brand for the first time.

The agency, first launched in 1805, has 33 branches in the capital as well as more than 70 international offices and has developed a franchise offering.

Chestertons has recruited two new directors Gavin Vercoe and Derrick Maguire, who joined in January and have been working with consultancy FranCorp on the project.

Franchisees will be offered a package referred to as The Chestertons Way.

This includes use of the prestigious brand and bespoke training sessions on the Chestertons software.

Vercoe, who was recruited from Colliers International Asia, will be focusing on developing the international operation.

He said: “Chestertons has a globally recognised brand and has developed bespoke software and processes that have provided huge operational benefits to their business.

“We are now looking to share this combination of technology and know-how to franchise partners and are confident that it will add value and profitability to their business.”

Maguire, who brings experience from branch and franchise manager roles at Martin & Co and Belvoir, said: “It is a very exciting proposition to release this franchise offering to the UK.

“This is mainly due to the fact that we are an existing heritage brand with tried and tested systems and processes that we can pass on to our franchisees. We are also committed to provide the best training and support in the market.”

It follows a model once adopted by Chestertons’ former sister brand Humberts, from which it demerged in 2014.

Historically Chestertons branches were focused on London and overseas, and Humberts  in rural areas in the UK. However, with Humberts now a totally separate business in new ownership, Chestertons is clearly now looking to make its mark both in the UK outside the capital as well as use franchising to grow its brand overseas

EYE has approached Chestertons for more details, with nothing yet revealed about likely costs or the number of recruits it is targeting.