A DESIRE to enjoy their working lives was the driving force behind estate agents Adam Wellesley and Dorian Sanchez setting up Horts Estate Agency. Twenty years later, the agency is thriving and the founders are still making the most of the opportunities.
A DESIRE to enjoy their working lives was the driving force behind estate agents Adam Wellesley and Dorian Sanchez setting up Horts Estate Agency. Twenty years later, the agency is thriving and the founders are still making the most of the opportunities. The agency, based in its original offices in Northampton’s Bridge Street, has been able to respond to market changes. Doors opened at a second office in Rugby in 2001 and, in 2008, a review of the way the company did business saw self-employed property consultants joining the team. Adam said: “There were many businesses going through difficult times but we looked at ways of overcoming the challenges. We went for a business model which is popular in the USA and, to be honest, it made a real difference.” The agency continued to thrive and, in 2010, started offering letting services approved by ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents. “We are very proud of our high standards and how we have been able to build the business,” said Adam. “When Dorian and I worked together we would talk about setting up a business with traditional values. The priority was for everyone to enjoy going to work, and that is something that still holds true.” The pair came up with the name Horts, inspired by their friend Paul Horton who helped them get the business off the ground. Adam added: “To be honest, at the time there were a lot of businesses using the surnames of the directors but Wellesley and Sanchez sounds like a Mexican jazz band so we needed to use something else.” The same down-to-earth approach is reflected in the day-to-day operations of the business. Adam said: “Our property consultants are self-employed and, while they are rewarded for their individual efforts, do benefit from working in a team which is highly motivated and wants to offer the best service. “We make no secret of why we have been able to grow a successful agency. We are continually investing key areas of our business including people, information technology and the ability to listen to our customers. This means we can adapt to the ever-changing property market and whether you are buying, selling or renting we can offer a personal and professional service.” To find out more see the website at www.horts.co.uk or call 01604 639933.