Bevan Ashford to demerge

Bevan Ashford is set to split in two, with its Bristol arm to be renamed Bevan Brittan (BBL) while the Exeter, Plymouth and London arm will trade as Ashfords (EPL).

The two firms merged in 1986 but maintained separate profit centres, independent IT systems and recruitment arms throughout.

The demerger set to take place on 31 October, was announced today by Simon Rous, chairman of the firm’s Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton and Tiverton arm, and Stuart Whitfield, chief executive of the Bristol, Birmingham and London business.

Meanwhile, revenue at the firm has risen to £50.47m, up from £42.6m last year. Last year, the EBL contributed around a third to total turnover.