Lettings and sales agency Lomond launches major new territory with Beal's acquisition

Fast-growing lettings and sales agency Lomond has more than doubled its footprint spanning the South Coast after striking a major new deal that sees Hampshire’s leading independent agent, Beal’s, joining the group.

Beal’s employs 80 people and operates out of ten prime locations, including Southampton and Portsmouth – giving Lomond a strong presence in a fresh territory, the company said.

It will link with Lomond’s other market-leading brands on the South Coast – Brand Vaughan, which covers Brighton and Hove; and Michael Jones and Company, which has a seven-branch network across West Sussex.

This is the sixth acquisition it has announced in the last few months.

The estate agency group purchased the sales and letting business of Sussex-based Howard & Co in December. The deal saw a lettings portfolio of 300 managed units, stretching from Chichester to Brighton, plus a team of three staff transfer to Michael Jones, one of Lomond’s two long-established high street brands on the South Coast.

Beal’s lettings portfolio currently stands at more than 2,200 while its residential sales team, which also includes a new homes specialism launched to market more than £25 million of properties in 2023.

Lomond Chief Executive Ed Phillips said: “We are thrilled to welcome a company of Beal’s calibre, and a first-class team of people to match, into the Lomond family at the start of an exciting year of growth.

“This represents another major coup for Lomond as it enables us to unlock the potential of a brand new geographical territory. It extends our unbroken coverage in this thriving region to more than 75 miles from east to west – stretching from the city to the sea, and the country to the coast.”

He added: “It is a perfect geographical and strategic fit.

“Lomond will benefit from the unrivalled local knowledge and expertise that the Beal’s team has built up over 30 years at the heart of the local community, delivering a premium service to clients.

“In turn, Beal’s will be able to harness, and leverage, the full potential of extra dimensions we can offer to give the business an even greater competitive edge.

“These range from access to the very best-in-class technology to unparalleled staff benefits to a training and development programme that ensures we future-proof our pool of talent and recruit, retain and reward our people.

“This commitment to creating an inspiring, innovative and uplifting workforce was given an independent stamp of approval last month when we were accredited as a Great Place To Work. It’s an achievement which fills us with immense pride and a shining example of what is on offer to those companies, like Beal’s, who join the Lomond family.”

Beal’s offices span the whole of Hampshire and are based in Bitterne; Eastleigh; Fareham; Gosport; Havant; Park Gate; Portsmouth; Shirley; Southsea; and Waterlooville, with its headquarters based in Whiteley.

Its founder, Tony Beal, said: “In a fast-moving industry with ever-increasing legislation, we must evolve.

“Investment in retaining and developing our people, expanding our service offering to add value, and using market-leading technology are all necessary to meet the needs of our customers.

“Becoming part of a wider group will provide the level of investment and support needed to strengthen our brand position as Hampshire’s leading local agent and enhance our services to all our clients, whether a seller or a buyer, a landlord or a tenant.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements we have accomplished and the team that has been a part of this journey. Our people are undoubtedly our greatest asset, and with the exciting prospects for the future, they will continue to be at the heart of Beal's success story.”