Savills buys niche holiday park agent

Savills has acquired Chester-based leisure sector specialist Charles F Jones & Son LLP, with all 12 staff transferring to the international surveyor.

Charles F Jones was established in 1871 and has operated as a leisure property specialist since 1937. The firm acts primarily for leisure operators across the UK including Bourne Leisure, Butlins and Warner Leisure Hotels, owned by Bourne Leisure, Haulfryn Group, Parkdean, Park Resorts and Park Holidays.

The business, led by David and Robert Gale-Hasleham, will continue to be based in its Chester offices servicing the firm's nationwide client base.

Together they will focus on all aspects of the leisure sector, including the core holiday park market working with both corporate businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Mark Ridley, chief executive of Savills UK, said: "The increased agency presence will allow Savills to better penetrate the leisure market, utilising our range of services in this field. We already have comprehensive leisure sector coverage nationally and this business will add to our existing agency, planning and rating specialisations."

David Gale-Hasleham, partner at Charles F Jones & Son, added: "Savills' UK wide network will allow us to operate from strategically placed offices that will provide a perfect platform from which to expand our specialist practice, but, on a more local basis."

Savills already had a residential sales and lettings office in Chester, headed by Charlie Kannreuther.