The growth spike follows the addition of new offices in Riverstone and Wollongong in the third quarter and there are more on the horizon, says Harriet Saunders, Head of Growth & Development at Laing+Simmons.

“We are currently in the midst of one of the most rapid growth periods in the 55-year history of Laing+Simmons and it’s happening organically. Rather than set specific goals in terms of specific office numbers, we’ve instead invested in a robust office support system which is proving a natural attractor,” Ms Saunders says.

“The growth we’re currently experiencing can be largely attributed to the comprehensive training regime we’ve implemented this year, which integrates a broad range of programs geared to support everyone in the network, from young people starting their career to our leaders and office principals.

“Our new partners are really responding to the way we can demonstrate how we invest in the training and development of every single person in the network, including them and their teams, with individually-tailored programs,” Ms Saunders says.

Looking ahead, Laing+Simmons is fielding enquiries from prospective franchise partners in both metropolitan and regional New South Wales with imminent growth on the cards in areas including Sydney’s inner west and south west.

Laing+Simmons CEO Leanne Pilkington says the focus on training from the business’s ownership group has been important not only in attracting new partners to the network, but also in supporting the growth of each office and individual already part of the Laing+Simmons family.

“When you invest in people the returns are most satisfying. The growth of the network is one measure but it’s not the only one. It’s the development of our people, seeing them elevate their performance and enjoy doing so, that we prioritise as a benchmark for success,” Ms Pilkington says.

“With all our initiatives, we interrogate genuine feedback from everyone in the network, we use the experience of our people to shape and evolve the programs we provide, and we’re open about what we can do better. This is how we power the cycle of continual improvement and it’s pleasing to see it resonate more broadly in the market, as evidenced with the attraction of our new partners,” she says.