York estate agency business sells 50 per cent of equity to new director

York estate agency business Blenkin & Co has sold 50 per cent of its equity to property specialist Edward Hartshorne, who has worked at the firm since 2007.

Blenkin & Co, based in High Petergate, offers a comprehensive residential property service, including sales, valuations and acquisitions. Its properties range from cottages, town houses, high-end modern developments and city apartments to rural and equestrian properties, village houses and large country estates.

Tim Blenkin, who founded the business in 1992 with his wife Claire, will continue to work alongside Mr Hartshorne.

Mr Blenkin said: “We are delighted to welcome Edward on board as a director of Blenkin & Co. He is the best York estate agent of his generation by a long way and has earned his stripes with a seven-year apprenticeship.

“Together Edward and I offer the dynamic symbiosis of energy and innovation and the experienced older hand.”

Blenkin & Co was advised on the sale by Peter Barton, a partner in the corporate team of Yorkshire law firm Gordons.

Mr Hartshorne said: “This is an amazing opportunity for me to build for the long-term and I am delighted to become part of the best known name in independent estate agency.

“Together we will drive the business forward, upholding the fundamentals of traditional estate agency whilst adapting to the rapidly changing age of shared global communication and networking.”

One of the UK’s most successful law firms, Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford, employs 265 people and has a turnover of more than £25.3m.

Clients include Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, construction and high performance materials manufacturer Saint Gobain, international brewers Molson Coors, greetings card retailer Card Factory and the world’s largest electrical heating business Glen Dimplex. For more information visit www.gordonsllp.com