Agent Robert Barry & Co expands with new Southampton office
Licensed property agent Robert Barry & Co is to expand once more by opening a new office in Southampton.
The new opening will be headed by Mervyn Cully, a long-time partner and director of the firm.
The news follows the launch of its Manchester office just 12 months ago and the recent announcement that managing director John Sheppard and director Paul Bartrop are to take over the company's corporate side.
Colin Hall, who was previously head of hotels at property agent Knight Frank, is to join Robert Barry's London office.
The announcements about the changes in the company were made as company directors and guests were on board the Prince William, a tall ship owned by the Sail Training Association.
The ship sailed down the River Thames and Tower Bridge had to open twice to let it past, bringing traffic to a standstill.
But Robert Barry guests who thought they were there to enjoy the sunshine and the views were in for a shock - the Sail Training Association had other ideas and soon made the invited "crew" climb the masts and set sails on the square rigger.
Meanwhile, licensed property agent Christie & Co has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of its regional offices.
The company celebrated its 50th year of trading in Exeter with a special function held in a marquee close to Christie & Co's offices on the Quay in the city.
The South West is currently proving a thriving location for licensed property and the company wanted to celebrate both the history of its Exeter office and its recent success.
Director John Crocker, who has managed Christie & Co's Exeter office since 1993, said: "Having served the business property sector across the South West for 50 years, we were delighted to join members of the local business community to celebrate our golden anniversary of trading in Exeter.
"What is most encouraging is that we are at present experiencing a strong trading period with some notable deals taking place.
"There has been an increase in the number of first-time buyers - an important fact in the on-going expansion of our market - and also an increase in the number of buyers from outside our region which is reminiscent of the late 1980s. Buyers are encouraged by the lowest interest rate for 35 years and there continues to be strong support from the banks."
