UK’s largest independent property services specialist enters new chapter while celebrating 20 years of trusted service.
Centrick, the UK’s largest independent property services specialist, has announced a new long-term investment partnership with PHM Group. This marks an important milestone for Centrick as it celebrates 20 years in business, providing additional backing to invest in people, technology and innovation, while preserving the culture, leadership and service approach that clients and residents value.
For our customers, the day-to-day service remains unchanged. Centrick continues to operate independently under the same brand, with the same leadership, teams and local expertise that have underpinned its reputation for two decades.
Founded in 2005 by James Ackrill and Carina Ackrill, Centrick has grown through service-led expansion to become the UK’s largest independent building and estate management operator. Today, the business manages more than 30,000 homes and £4.5 billion in client assets nationwide, supported by over 300 professionals working across offices in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Gerrards Cross and Fareham. Centrick delivers a broad range of services, including building and estate management, Build to Rent consultancy and management, PRS portfolio asset management, red book valuations and building surveying, facilities management, and building safety and compliance expertise.
James Ackrill, Founder of Centrick, shared:
We’ve spent 20 years building a business focused on delivering exceptional service through talented, committed people. When we looked at options for the next stage of our growth we were approached by a number of acquisitive parties, but knew we wanted a partner who would respect that foundation and support us in taking it forward.
PHM Group really stood out, not just because of their shared values and strong ESG credentials, but because they understand that great service comes from preserving what works – the culture, the people, the local relationships – while adding the resources, depth and stability that enable you to do more. Carina and I are delighted to continue as shareholders and to see the business enter this next chapter with a partner who shares our values.
Operational continuity remains a priority. The business continues to be led by Phil Johns, Group Managing Director since 2019, alongside the same leadership team. Our senior leaders are invested in the business, underlining their confidence in Centrick’s future and their commitment to our clients and residents.
Phil Johns, Group Managing Director, stated:
Our clients choose Centrick because they trust our people and our approach. Joining PHM Group strengthens our ability to invest in what matters most, our teams, our technology and the quality of service we deliver. We’ll continue working with the same clients, residents and partners, with the same local teams, but with greater backing behind the scenes to keep raising standards.
The partnership provides Centrick with additional resources to invest in areas that directly benefit clients and residents, including continued development through the Centrick Academy, enhanced technology and AI capabilities, further strengthening building safety and compliance, and improving systems and processes to support consistently high service delivery as client needs evolve.
All colleagues across Centrick’s offices remain with the business, and day-to-day contacts and service arrangements are unchanged. The partnership also connects Centrick to PHM Group’s wider European network, enabling shared learning and best practice while maintaining a local, independent operating model.
Gareth Martin, UK Group CEO of PHM Group, said:
Centrick has built an outstanding reputation through genuine commitment to service and people. That aligns closely with PHM Group’s philosophy of caring for people by taking care of their surroundings. We are committed to preserving Centrick’s independence and supporting Phil and his team with long-term investment and expertise as they continue to grow.
PHM Group operates across eight countries with more than 14,500 professionals and consolidated revenue of EUR 1.2 billion, following a ‘Big and Local’ model that supports strong local businesses without interfering in what already works.
With long-term investment and stability in place, Centrick is well positioned to continue evolving in a rapidly changing market, while staying true to the values, people and service standards that have defined the business for 20 years.
Most importantly for clients and residents, it’s business as usual, with the service you know, the standards you trust, and everything you value about Centrick unchanged.
