CASE STUDY

Pilgrims Lettings

A trusted Surrey lettings agency sold to Seymours, with Atomic Consultancy managing the process on behalf of retiring owners.

Business Name:
Pilgrims Lettings

Location:
Farnham, Surrey

Years in Business:
Established 1982

Size of Business:
40+ managed properties

Services Offered:
Residential lettings and property management only

Challenges & Goals of Selling the Estate Agency

Pilgrims Lettings had been a trusted name in residential lettings across Surrey since 1982. Founded and run by Sarah and Peter Horridge, the agency built long-standing relationships with landlords and was known for its professionalism, compliance-led service, and local knowledge.

After over four decades in the industry, Sarah and Peter decided to retire and step away from the business. Their goal was to find a buyer who would maintain the high standards they had set and ensure a smooth handover for landlords and tenants.

With a smaller, focused portfolio and a respected reputation in the area, it was important that the process was handled discreetly and professionally, ensuring continuity of service and protecting the business’s legacy.

Atomic Consultancy’s Approach

The project was led by Jason Davy, Acquisitions Manager at Atomic Consultancy. Jason worked closely with Sarah and Peter to carry out a detailed valuation and prepare the business for market. With clear retirement goals and a desire for the right cultural fit, the focus was on identifying a buyer who would continue delivering the same standard of service.

Atomic introduced the opportunity to a carefully selected group of independent buyers. Seymours, a well-established local agency, quickly emerged as the ideal acquirer due to its experience, scale, and shared values.

Jason managed the process from start to finish, including negotiation, legal coordination, and day-to-day support, ensuring a smooth, structured, and successful transaction for all parties.

Key Takeaways

Independent Surrey lettings agency with over 40 years of trading
Sale driven by the retirement of long-standing directors Sarah and Peter Horridge
Atomic Consultancy delivered valuation, buyer targeting, and full project management
Business acquired by Seymours, a local independent agency
Deal managed by Jason Davy, Acquisitions Manager at Atomic

Feedback

“Having decided to sell our business, we contacted several business transfer agents and settled on Atomic Consultancy. After our initial video chat, which was very thorough and informative, we expected great things from them, and we were not disappointed. After they received enquiries from their marketing approach, face to face meetings were arranged, resulting in several offers, and after further negotiations we accepted an offer. Throughout the process Jason Davy kept in contact, but one cannot ignore the team effort. Overall, very impressed with how they dealt with their process of selling our business, and I would certainly suggest contacting them to anyone looking to sell their business. Great job guys.”

Peter Horridge - Previous Owner

Final Thoughts From Atomic

“It was a pleasure to support Sarah and Peter through the sale of Pilgrims. With such a long-standing reputation in the Surrey lettings market, it was important to find a buyer who aligned with their values and commitment to landlords. We’re pleased to have delivered a clean, confident exit and wish them both all the best for their retirement.”

Jason Davy, Acquisitions Manager – Atomic Consultancy