Fylde Coast Homes Group has acquired Stephen Tew Estate Agents in Blackpool, marking the latest expansion for the property group led by directors Ged Mills and Steve Richardson.
The agency will retain its name and branding following the acquisition, with founder Stephen Tew remaining in the business as head of sales and operations. The move comes two years after Tew received an 11-year company director disqualification from the Insolvency Service following an investigation into Covid Bounce Back loans.
Tew described the matter at the time as a “simple clerical error” and maintained he had done nothing deliberately wrong. The agency continued trading under a new company director, with Tew remaining as an estate agent.
Operational structure
In a joint statement, Mills and Richardson said the acquisition would provide additional investment and resources whilst preserving the agency’s existing identity. “This acquisition is not about changing what already works,” they said. “The Stephen Tew brand will remain, Stephen will continue to play a leading role within the business as Head of Sales and Operations, and customers will continue to deal with the team they already know and trust.”
The deal forms part of the group’s strategy to expand through established local property businesses across the Fylde Coast region. The move comes as estate agents have called for increased regulation to address concerns about standards in the sector.
Industry context
Tew confirmed he would remain closely involved in the agency’s operations. “It was extremely important to me that the brand, our team and the way we look after our customers remained at the heart of the business, and that is exactly what this partnership allows us to do,” he said.
The acquisition adds to Fylde Coast Homes Group’s portfolio as consolidation continues across the estate agency sector. Neither party disclosed the purchase price or financial terms of the transaction.
The deal highlights ongoing activity in the regional estate agency market, where larger groups are acquiring established local businesses to expand their geographical footprint and market share.
