A fourth-generation estate agent has launched a new property group with plans to acquire independent agencies across the North and Midlands.
Jack Wilson, managing director of Derbyshire-based Wilson Estate Agents, has established All North Group and completed its first acquisition, Fidler Taylor.
The deal brings the Matlock and Ashbourne estate agency and chartered surveying business into the newly formed group.
Wilson is now targeting further acquisitions across Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, the Midlands and Staffordshire. In particular, the group is focusing on established independent agencies.
The expansion coincides with the 80th anniversary of Wilson Estate Agents. Wilson’s great-grandfather, Leslie Wilson, founded the business in Bolsover in 1946.
Under the new structure, acquired businesses will retain their trading names and local identities. Meanwhile, All North Group will provide shared management, technology, marketing and administrative support.
Wilson said: “Independent estate agencies have something really special. They’ve often been part of their towns for generations, building relationships with families, landlords and local businesses over many years.
“That trust and reputation can’t simply be recreated, and it’s something we feel strongly about protecting.
“Our ambition is to bring together great independent businesses, support their teams and invest in their future, while allowing them to retain the identity that their customers know and trust.”
First acquisition completed
Fidler Taylor operates from offices in Matlock and Ashbourne. Its services include residential sales, lettings, commercial property and chartered surveying.
The acquisition marks the first step in All North Group’s regional expansion strategy.
Wilson said: “Fidler Taylor has a fantastic history, an experienced team and a really strong reputation in its local markets.
“Those are exactly the qualities we value.
“We’re excited about what we can achieve together, and it’s important to us that the business continues to be recognised for everything it has built over the years.”
Alongside its acquisition plans, the group intends to invest in AI, digital marketing, staff training and operational systems.
Wilson believes independent agencies can benefit from shared resources without losing their local presence.
“Technology is changing the way we work, and there’s a huge opportunity to use it to improve the experience for both our teams and our customers,” he said.
“But property will always be a people business.
“The local knowledge, experience and relationships within our branches are incredibly valuable. We want to give those teams the tools and support to do their jobs even better, rather than change what makes them successful.”
Further acquisitions planned
All North Group is also seeking discussions with independent agency owners considering retirement, succession planning or a sale.
Wilson initially pursued a career in marketing before joining the family business. Since then, he has helped expand its lettings portfolio, introduce new systems and develop its management team.
His experience has subsequently influenced the group’s acquisition strategy.
“Having grown up around a family business, I understand how much it means to the people who have built it,” he said.
“There’s an enormous amount of pride, history and personal commitment involved.
“When owners start thinking about retirement or the next chapter, it’s not always just a financial decision. They want to know their business, their staff and their customers will be looked after.”
However, All North Group has not disclosed how much it paid for Fidler Taylor. Nor has it announced a target for the number of businesses it intends to buy.
Wilson added: “Not everyone is looking to sell tomorrow, and that’s not what this is about. Sometimes it’s simply about starting a conversation and understanding what the future could look like.
“For us, the right people, shared values and a genuine commitment to local communities will always be important.”
