THE founder of Naylors Chartered Surveyors, who built the business into a successful property consultancy, is retiring from the firm.

Bill Naylor founded Naylors 25 years ago starting out from an office in Albany House, Washington with the assistance of a secretary and his wife Margaret, who is also retiring from the firm.

Naylors firm moved to offices on Team Valley, Gateshead in 1993 before moving to its current location at Hadrian House at Newcastle in 2008.

Now with branches on Tyneside and Middlesbrough, Naylors has 25 staff covering building consultancy, asset management, property investment as well commercial estate agency and valuation services.

Mr Naylor said: “Naturally I am very proud of the firm’s success, it’s longevity and the strong professional reputation that has been built up over the years on the simple principle of putting clients first at all times. However, this couldn’t have been done without the fantastic support I’ve had, not only from Margaret, who is also retiring as company secretary, but from everyone who has worked for us down the years.

"In particular, our success as a company would not have happened without my co-directors Angus White, Fergus Laird and Keith Stewart. We simply wouldn’t be where we are now without them, and I know I am leaving the firm in very strong and capable hands.”

Mr Naylor will retire at the end of the month and Mr White, who is head of asset management, will take over as head of the Naylors office working alongside his co-directors.

Mr White said: “Bill has built up a highly successful business which has become a key name in the region, respected for its professionalism, client service and integrity.

"We will continue to uphold these core values after Bill’s retirement and aim to grow and develop the business further, taking on additional larger-scale instructions and adding to our service lines, while recruiting a number of new staff and priming younger members of staff to play a crucial role in the next 25 years of Naylors.”