"The opportunity is really in building on that, supporting landlords properly as the market becomes more regulated and bringing a bit more structure and consistency to how things are managed."
- Craig Wicking - Martin & Co
Existing Martin & Co Franchise Owners Peter Mahoney and Craig Wicking have acquired Martin & Co Widnes, marking their third office within the network and expanding their presence across the North West of England.
Peter and Craig first joined the Martin & Co network in October 2023 through the resale acquisition of Martin & Co Rochdale, before expanding again with the launch of Martin & Co Leigh in July 2025, following an acquisition.
The pair have said their immediate focus in Widnes would be on continuity and integration.
"First priority is stability," Peter Mahoney said. "Making sure the team feels supported, landlords and tenants see continuity, and everything carries on as it should. Beyond that, it’s about integrating Widnes into the wider structure we’ve built.
"The management team we now have in place plays a big role in that, making sure standards are consistent, and the office is properly supported as it beds in. And then over time, building a strong team culture across all three offices."
Discussing the opportunities within the local market, Craig highlighted the importance of consistency and long-term support for landlords in the North West.
"There’s already a good base in Widnes," Craig Wicking said. "The opportunity is really in building on that, supporting landlords properly as the market becomes more regulated and bringing a bit more structure and consistency to how things are managed. We’re not looking to change things for the sake of it. It’s more about strengthening what’s already there and making sure it holds up over time."
"The main benefit is consistency," Peter Mahoney added. "Same standards, same approach to management, same level of oversight across all three. For landlords, that means things are clearer and more predictable. For tenants and buyers, it should just feel more straightforward to deal with. Behind the scenes, it also allows us to be more joined up in how we handle compliance, maintenance and day-to-day management."
Toby Phillips, managing director of Martin & Co, commented: "Peter and Craig have demonstrated a clear and disciplined approach to growth since joining the network in 2023.
"Their focus on operational structure, consistency and long-term service standards has enabled them to scale successfully across multiple territories. The acquisition of Martin & Co Widnes is another positive step for the business, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to strengthen their presence across the North West."
