Property firm spreads its wings

The company has expanded into North Yorkshire with the acquisition of Harmer Mortimer Estate Agents, and its commercial arm has moved into Leeds and Manchester with the acquisition of HBSV chartered surveyors.

Harmer Mortimer has offices in Northallerton and Thirsk. Principal agents Ian Harmer and Neil Mortimer will continue to lead the residential valuation and estate agency business in the area.

CSH already has estate agency offices in Alnwick, Hexham and Penrith, dealing with the sale of country homes and quality market town properties.

Recent prestigious sales include Ivy House Racing Stables, on behalf of Jonjo O'Neill, the development of Shortridge Hall near Alnwick and The Linnels, an historic country house near Hexham.

The acquisition of HBSV will significantly strengthen the commercial divisoion of the business, which will now be headed by former HSBV director Richard Corby. His colleagues David Howard and Robert Ashton-Kane will manage the Leeds and Manchester offices respectively.

Clients of CSH's commercial division include government departments, charities, manufacturers and financial institutions.

Ray Black, managing director of CSH, said: "The move into the key commercial centres of Leeds and Manchester is a stepping stone to further expansion for the business.

"We will be opening an office in Grey Street, Newcastle, later this year and our objective is to treble the turnover of CSH Commercial within three years."

Neil Foster, chief executive of the estate agency business, added: "CSH is already a leading name in the residential property market and it is our objective to expand the range of valuation and agency services offered throughout the North of England.

"The move into North Yorkshire is a key stepping stone to further expansion and we were attracted by the excellent reputation that Harmer and Mortimer has within their catchment area.

Neil Mortimer said: "This is an excellent opportunity to consolidate our business and take it forward."