We liked Hunters so much we bought a franchise!
This time last year we were casually flicking through the Sunday Times Best 100 Companies supplement. Having run a successful Training and Management Consultancy for the past 12 years, we wanted to start a business to run alongside. Our attention was drawn to the article on Hunters Property Group. On paper, the Group seemed to share our vision of a truly people focused, customer centric approach to estate agency, where customers would want to come back and staff would not want to leave. 
As a business that was established in 1992, and being still owned and managed by the original founders, John, Keith and Kevin, we were taken by the fact that they obviously had great plans to continue their growth by franchising their award-winning Residential Estate Agency operation.
It appears that many agents win a “Best Estate Agent” award every now and then and Hunters have their fair share. However, when you look a bit deeper, it is clear that there is a continuity and consistency to Hunters’ commitment to people – Champion Employers 2003, National Training Awards and more.
But when the people working in the business say you are one of the top 100 companies to work for, with a listing as the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies in 2005 and again in 2006 with an improved position, something good, something very good must be going on!
So, back in early 2006, we made a phone call. It turned out to be quite a lengthy call to Jamie McMullan, Hunters Franchising Director. It was like a breath of fresh air. Yes, the franchise proposition was similar to others offered, and we felt fairer than others in many ways, but it was the 
talk of low staff turnover, individuals’ progression through the business, high staff morale and a love for working with Hunters that made Hunters different.
We are so confident about their proposition that we have bought 12 locations around Worcester, the first of which will open in late spring. There are no guarantees in business of course, but we know one thing, whatever our problems, Hunters will be there to help.
Steve and Carol Crowe
