A YORKSHIRE estate agents co-founded by former Bradford City defender Mark Bower has completed the first stage in its expansion programme with the acquisition of fellow rival, Ludbrooks at Northowram, Halifax.

The acquisition has seen 100 extra properties transferred to the management of Hamilton Bower, bringing its total portfolio of properties under management in Yorkshire to over 300.

Founders, Bower and James Hamilton, established the company in 2010 and are making plans to open further branches in the near future.

Mr Bower, who also used to manage Bradford (Park Avenue), is a Northowram resident himself and is a popular figure in the community.

He said: “The expansion to the Halifax area and to the office in Northowram is significant for both James and I personally, as well as being a positive move forward for the company.

“My family and I have lived in Northowram village for over ten years and James lived in Shelf for 18 years so we already have valued connections here, as well as extensive knowledge of the area and community.”

Mr Hamilton added: “This is the first acquisition we have made since establishing the company, representing a major milestone in our expansion programme.

“We have a programme of exciting growth planned for the company with further expansion planned for the future.”

Following the acquisition of Ludbrooks, Hamilton Bower is projecting growth of 400% and turnover of in excess of £1 million by 2024.