Mark Alcroft, the former managing director of Countrywide brand Bridgfords, has joined Leaders to run and grow the business in the north of England.

Alcroft spent 32 years at Bridgfords, the last seven as managing director.

He left last November.

He said: “I am delighted to join a progressive company with ambitious plans for expansion.

“Following discussions with Leaders’ senior management team, I have been most impressed with their visions and strategy for growing the business over the next few years and I am delighted to now be part of it.”

Emma Wells, Leaders’ director for the north-west, said: “Mark has a sound knowledge of the property market in the north and a solid industry background.

“His experience in property sales will enable our continued growth in this area, and his appointment puts us in a strong position to drive our ambitious acquisition strategy in the north.”

Leaders, which began life as a single office letting agency in Brighton, has grown both organically and by acquisition.

It now has 118 branches, including seven in the north-west, and will be focusing on further expansion in this region in the coming months and years.