HUNTERS, the UK’s fastest growing independent franchised estate agency group has continued its rapid expansion in 2014, with an unprecedented number of new branch openings – 37 in total for the year.

Hunters’ offices have opened their doors across the country in counties including Greater London, West Midlands, County Durham, Berkshire, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Lincolnshire.

Having opened its first branch 22 years ago in York, Hunters is rapidly becoming one of the major players on the national property scene and estate agency franchising, with over 127 branches now nationwide. And the expansion is set to continue at pace in 2015 with plans already in place to open in Oldham, Dewsbury, Amersham, Chesham, Leighton Buzzard and Forest Hill during the first quarter and further 50 openings to follow over the year in locations including Hackney, Dartford, Twickenham, Edgware and the Wirral and many more.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director and Hunters founder, said: “Network growth is at an all-time high, with no other agency growing at the speed we are. These office openings are designed to complement our existing network. However, it is not just about being the biggest estate agency; it is about being the best. I believe that much of our success lies in our infrastructure – our independently owned franchised branches are run by business owners who are experts in their own local area – which gives our customers real value.”

Part of Hunters expansion in 2014, included Lincolnshire’s leading estate agency, Turner Evans Stevens, joining the Group. With eight branches across the county, including the main towns and cities of Lincoln, Grimsby and Skegness – this was new territory for Hunters. In July 2014, the company also merged with Hunters Group Limited, a seven-office firm in the West Midlands. The two businesses have now combined – ensuring Hunters position as one of the top six brands in the industry, conducting around 10,000 sales and lettings transactions annually.

Andy Bushell, sales director at Hunters commented, "It's been simply a phenomenal year; we have completed our best year in history in growing the estate agency network. The 37 new locations that opened as Hunters in 2014 stretch across the UK from North Shields in the northeast to Dawlish in the south and all areas in between”.

Hunters expect to have over 500 offices in five years’ time. Continuing the tradition of innovation and being at the forefront of change, the company launches its first national TV commercial in January; one of the first independently owned estate agents to do so.