AN historic estate agency chain is set to expand through offering franchise opportunities across the North of England while remaining on the look-out for potential acquisitions.

Ilkley-based Dacre Son & Hartley, which has 20 branches in Yorkshire, is aiming to grant at least six sales and lettings licenses to franchisees over the next 12 months.

The firm, whose roots date back to the 1820s, currently employs more than 120 staff and has a turnover of around £7million. It has local offices in Bingley, Baildon, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Guiseley, Otley, Keighley, Saltaire and Skipton.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential sales and franchise director, said: “The recent improvements in the economy and the property market make this the ideal time to bring our franchise offering to the market.

“We have a very successful business model that has stood the test of time and continued to thrive despite some challenging economic conditions.

“We are keen to grow the business and franchising is the next logical step in our overall offering.”

The first licences will be granted to franchisees in key towns and cities in Yorkshire where the agency does not currently operate, but the franchise offering will be expanded further afield in the near future.

Mr McCutcheon added: “We want to concentrate on areas within Yorkshire where we know our brand and services will be very well received, and we have already ear-marked several key territories that would make ideal places for dynamic driven franchisees to launch a Dacres office.”

Recent expansion included opening offices in Settle through a merger with Graveson Estate Agents and in Boroughbridge, along with North Leeds, Bedale and Northallerton.

“The acquisition of Graveson Estate Agents saw the successful merger of a local business into the Dacre Son & Hartley family and as well as the franchising offer, we are still very much on the acquisition trail looking for established estate agencies that would complement our existing geographical footprint,” said Mr McCutcheon.

Dacree will run the franchise operation and provide comprehensive training for franchisees from its head office. It will also provide IT and software training enabling franchisees to quickly get to grips with its bespoke day to day agency management system.

The firm has joined forces with a Midlands-based estate agency which has used franchising to open more than 15 new branches within three years .

“We felt it would be extremely beneficial to partner up with another firm that has successfully launched a very similar franchise operation. We have therefore been able to benefit from their knowledge and experience which will enable an incredibly smooth transition for any new franchisee,” said Patrick.