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22nd June 2011

Martin & Co brand celebrates 25 years

The Martin & Co brand celebrated it's 25th Birthday this month! 

YOU cannot compromise the values upon which a successful business has been founded. Your good name is everything; in this case my name, because it’s above the door!”  Richard Martin, Chairman – Martin & Co

Martin & Co celebrated 15 years of franchising in 2010, but 2011 marks the 25^th birthday of the Martin & Co brand. So as Spain & Portugal become part of the European Union, Prince Andrew & Fergie get married, the Iron Lady is prime minster and Argentina beat Germany to win the World Cup, Martin & Co enters the business world.

Launched in Yeovil in 1986, Martin & Co grew quickly. Richard then began offering training courses to prospective letting agents which were quickly over-subscribed. Several attendees were so impressed that they approached Richard with a view to operating his business system under licence. “Having, almost by accident, read ‘Behind the Golden Arches' - the story of MacDonald’s extraordinary success through franchising, whilst on holiday in Portugal, it struck me that franchising was the key to growing my business,” he said, and the first franchise was established in 1995… and the rest is history!

Richard wanted to be involved in the business, but recognised the franchise owner needed the freedom to operate autonomously and franchising should be regarded as a partnership. The franchisor, as the senior partner, provides its know-how and expertise, and the franchise owner provides the drive, commercial flair and a local flavour for the business. An ethos still believed by Richard today.

Susan Hume  joined Martin & Co as a Franchisee in 2009 after working for the Cupar and Kirkcaldy offices as Senior Negotiator. Trading successfully for 2 years has been possible thanks the back up, support and hard work of all of the Martin & Co team. She believes that you cannot beat knowing your patch & understanding your clientele.   

Martin and Co is a clear leader in its field, setting standards that others follow, and remains the largest of any single brand franchised letting businesses in the UK and Northern Ireland.