Harpers & Hurlingham Limited, an estate and letting agency in Cranbrook, Kent, entered administration on 29 January before being sold to a new owner within hours, enabling the business to continue trading.
Joint administrators Steven Edwards and Mark Holborow of Crowe U.K. LLP were appointed to the firm, whose most recent accounts were overdue according to Companies House records. Administration provides legal protection from creditors while restructuring or sale arrangements are finalised.
Continuation of operations
Director Emilie Beard, who is not listed on Companies House as one of the company’s former directors, confirmed the transaction. “Harpers and Hurlingham went into administration on the 29th of January and was purchased the same day by the new owner,” she stated.
The business will maintain its existing branding and staff, with a new 10-year lease signed for the premises. Beard declined to identify the purchaser but noted there were no major creditors involved in the administration.
“The business has been purchased by an individual as an investment. They will not be involved with the day-to-day running of the business. Their intention is for it to continue trading as it has been all these years with the same successful team,” Beard said.
Business profile
Operating for more than a decade, Harpers & Hurlingham focuses on residential sales, lettings and property management in the TN17 postcode area. According to the agency’s website, it has handled properties valued between £500,000 and £3 million in the local market.
The swift sale through administration represents an alternative to liquidation, allowing the Cranbrook agency to maintain its operations and client relationships without interruption.
