An independent firm has launched a 19th office after a double acquisition.

Linley & Simpson has opened in Bingley, West Yorkshire, after acquiring the lettings book of one agent, Inghams, and acquiring the sales and lettings business of Henleys.

Linley & Simpson’s new branch is in the former Henleys office in the centre of the town.

Staff from both Henleys and Inghams have joined the team.

Inghams, which dates back to 1925, continues to trade, now focusing on providing property management services.

Will Linley, chief executive of Linley & Simpson, described Bingley as a “bulls eye location”, popular with commuters working in Bradford and Leeds.

He said: “We have ambitious growth plans for 2020 and beyond, and are already eyeing further acquisition opportunities across Yorkshire and the Humber, where agencies are of the right size and in the right location for us.

“This is a further signal of the continuing confidence we have in investing in the property sector, and consolidating and widening our presence across the region.”

Founded by Linley and Nick Simpson in 1997 with just two branches and a handful of staff, the business now employs over 250 people.

The latest acquisitions – completed for an undisclosed sum – are the 10th and 11th to take place since Linley & Simpson secured the backing of private equity investor LDC in June 2018 to accelerate its growth plans.