Hortons, an agency established in 2016 by entrepreneur Adam Horton who is still only 26, has received six-figure backing from a private investment syndicate.
One of Dunelm Partners’ founders, James Johnson, is taking a seat on the board of the firm.
Johnson is a former Partner in law firm Clifford Chance.
He was also previously a director of Leicester City FC, having been one of the five people who set up the Lineker consortium to rescue the club from administration in 2003.
Hortons’ head office is in Loughborough and the company currently covers Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire through local experts.
Hortons plans to use the investment to build its team of agents across the east midlands, but aims to achieve national coverage within the next few years.
Hortons describes itself as a modern alternative to a high street estate agency, combining technology with personal agents, and operating on a no fee, no sale basis.
Horton said: “The phrase ‘people buy from people’ is at the centre of our brand.
“We’re building a community of experienced estate agents, who are all self-employed.
“Hortons helps them to develop their personal brands and build their businesses, establishing themselves as local experts whilst pairing them with cutting edge technology.”
He said that this means Hortons’ clients deal with only one agent, who will manage every aspect of their move, from initial advice, marketing and viewings, through to negotiating offers and progression.
“Our one point of contact service is enabling us to deliver a unique experience for our clients and so far we’ve had amazing feedback with hundreds of five star reviews,” said Horton.
Comments (7)
Good luck to Adam although perhaps he can invest some of the money in making his website legally compliant as there is no mention of redress scheme membership, no Company ownership details , no privacy policy etc. It is not clear if the local expert Agents are self employed Agents or under the umbrella of Hortons ?
Website has a pop-up on launch – “Boxing Day launches” – is that in arrears or advance?!
So, basically, the business model appears to be Purplebricks but working on No Sale – No Fee basis and with a ‘hub’. I hope it’s a high six figure investment.
Horton said: “The phrase ‘people buy from people’ is at the centre of our brand.”
Never a truer phrase spoken. Remember that and you will go far. Good luck.
Sounds beautiful and practically perfect in principle. Good stuff and well done, but the reality of the market in practice, finding the personnel, dealing with personalities will be challenging. The model itself is laudable.
I wish them well and watch with interest
Self employed.. Many people can’t last 6 months before they start getting paid. Recruiting isn’t a problem. Retention is harder.
Adam certainly understands estate agency and the people working with him are very good agents from what I’ve seen.
Congratulations and keep up the good work.