Trusted Agent profile · Bolton
★★★★★
245 reviews across 2 platforms
20 Wood Street, Bolton, BL1 1DY
Hilton Smythe's office in Bolton, at 20 Wood Street, is rated 4.6 out of 5 across 245 reviews on two platforms, including 243 Google reviews rated 4.6. It won Trusted Agent in The Trusted Agent 2026 awards.
The Trusted Agent 2026 results for Hilton Smythe, ranked against 18,569 UK estate agent offices. Each award is assessed separately from the review sites.
Every review we hold for the Bolton office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
5/5
GoogleRukshana from Hilton Smythe has been outstanding in arranging our mortgage for our investment property. She guided us with her extensive experience, straightforwardly and with remarkable professionalism. I would highly recommend her, as she genuinely aims to help you in the right direction.
Dear Serdar, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we greatly appreciate it! Best wishes, Tommy Sweeney
5/5
GoogleThe sale of my property was very long and drawn out by solicitors. I was increasingly stressed as time went on. Karen Currie was a godsend. It was so good to be able to talk things over with Karen and she was always willing to talk to both sides in the negotiations to iron out the latest problem. Karen was outstanding. Without her I doubt if my sale would be concluded yet.
Dear Mike, We really do appreciate your co-operation and understanding in what was a very long process for you. I am so pleased that Karen was able to keep everything moving and be on hand to support you. I have shared this feedback with Karen and she is extremely grateful. Thank you once again. Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleI liaised with Hilton Smythe about the potential of buying a business. Although nothing came to fruition Hilton Smythe, specifically Jared was extremely helpful and knowledgeable throughout the process. I would recommend.
Dear Alex, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we greatly appreciate it! Best wishes, Tommy Sweeney
5/5
GoogleHilton Smythe made the selling of our business a seamless process from beginning to end. Their staff were were friendly, and proficient throughout, and our thanks to Katie who was always there to help with any query, and went the extra mile !
Dear Romaine, Thank you for leaving us a lovely review, we really do appreciate your feedback. We have passed on your kind words to Katie. All the best Belinda Daniels Service Manager
5/5
GoogleA great experience with Hilton Smythe from start to finish. Aidan Murphy was my point of contact whilst we found a buyer and couldn’t do enough to help and keep me in the loop with everything. When we found a buyer, Aidan’s colleague Declan Bottomley took over my account and saw it through to completion. Both members of the HS team are a credit to their business and were a pleasure to work with. Thank you both, and HS as a whole for a great service.
Dear Chris, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us your feedback, it is very much appreciated and I know it means a lot to Declan and Aidan. It's fantastic for our team when they receive positive feedback; we will ensure they are rewarded for all of their hard work. Again thanks for your kind words and should you need anything from us in the future, we would be delighted to work with you again, and on behalf of everyone, we wish you all the very best and thank you for choosing us. Craig Graham Managing Director
5/5
GoogleCouldn’t recommend Hilton and Smythe enough. To be honest Hilton and Smythe are only as good as their staff and Karen is the best you can get ! We had a guy called Declan and have to admit was not too impressed with his slow responses but our case was handed to Karen as Declan moved departments and from then on the service was fabulous. She did a fantastic job and keeping us informed at all time’s and all hours sometimes ! She went out of her way with daily updates sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. She was constantly chasing solicitors (She very good at this ! ) and making sure we’re aware at all times of all stages of our successful sale. We can’t thank you enough Karen and couldn’t have done it without you ! You deserve a massive pay rise! Whatever they’re paying could never be enough. Our sale was a rollercoaster but you made it a breeze.PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism
Dear Claire, We are so grateful to receive your lovely feedback and really appreciate you spending the time to leave us a review. Karen is absolutely over the moon with your kind words and we have sent her something nice in recognition of her hard work. I know that Karen really enjoyed working with you and was delighted to get the sale through for you. Thanks for choosing us and we wish you all the very best for the future. Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleRight from the outset when I had an appointment with their local agent I was super impressed with the service and skill they showed. My business sale was quite stressful to say the least but it was great knowing that there were supportive and skilled people by my side supporting me throughout. I would like to say a huge thanks to Katy who was an absolute gem! I would have no issues at all in recommending this company to buyers and sellers of businesses.
Dear Tammy, Thanks very much for leaving us your feedback. I will ensure that Katie receives your kind words. We are really pleased to have assisted you and wish you all the very best for the future. Thanks Craig Graham Managing Director
5/5
GoogleI found Jacob at HS to be extremely helpful and professional during the recent sale of my business. The transaction threw up some challenges along the way which were in the main handled by the solicitor, but Jacob was always in touch and on hand to assist where he could. Would recommend for anyone looking to sell their business.
Dear Alex, Thank you for your kind words in relation to Jacob, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. We were delighted to have assisted you and thank you for choosing us. Craig Graham Director
1/5
TrustpilotDisappointing experience, ensure you read and understand every part of the agreement very carefully before signing.
My experience with Hilton Smythe fell significantly short of what was represented at the outset. The service delivered did not align with the expectations created during the sales process, and several issues only became apparent after the agreement had begun. Key points from my experience (all evidenced and documented): Buyer outreach was far below expectations, and a large portion of the so-called “buyer research list” consisted of businesses that were already our own customers. This was never disclosed in advance and the list itself was not shared for approval despite claims that it had been. No meaningful buyer introductions resulted from their efforts; all genuine conversations came from our own contacts. Post-termination fee ambiguity was introduced, raising concerns about potential future claims even after the agreement ended. Incorrect tax information was provided during the early stages of engagement, which we later had to correct ourselves. A “data room” fee of £250 per month (or £2,500 per year) was requested to store documents that, in our case, amounted to minimal or no data. This charge was never part of the initial agreement and was introduced later without justification. Lack of any external redress/ombudsman scheme, meaning disputes rely solely on the internal complaints process. The combination of these issues resulted in a considerable amount of wasted time and a very unsatisfactory experience overall. I would strongly recommend anyone considering using this company to read and understand every detail of the agreement extremely carefully, ask direct questions about redress, data handling, buyer outreach, and post-termination conditions, and ensure everything is documented in writing. This review is based solely on my personal, evidenced experience. I hope it helps other business owners make an informed decision.
1/5
GoogleDo not use this company even if you are desperate to sell. Gave Hilton Smythe selling rights in October 2017, had an enquiry a week after advertised, this person who stated an interest did not have the money to purchase. I cancelled the contract in December. I then passed the business over 6 months later myself to an original interested party and I was taken to court for a breach of contract even once the contract was cancelled. There is no time limit stated. If this review can help one person from paying 9k in fees then my work is done. Hilton Smythe are deceptive, manipulative and make their money in business by taking people to court. This isn’t the first negative review in relation to similar cases. Be warned.
Dear Mr Barker, Thanks for your comments and we are very sorry you are not happy with our service, we take feedback from our customers very seriously. We feel that in your circumstances we were entitled to be paid our fee as the business sold to a person we had introduced to you and agreed a sale with. We are members of the commercial property ombudsman scheme, which places a time limit of two years after the end date of the contract, for agents to charge a fee, if the business has sold to someone introduced during the sole selling rights period. As you said, we got some interest for you in the very early stages, and you accepted their offer and the sale was progressing. You cancelled our agreement then sold to that person, who we had earlier been progressing a sale with. In this instance our fees are due and we would have preferred them to be paid, however they were not and we were advised to litigate and were awarded our fee for the work we had done.
5/5
GoogleFrom the start to the finish Hilton Smythe, especially Rob. Where very professional, friendly and genuine. Unfortunately, I did not sell my business although there was interest, but this was likely due to the Corona virus rather than their efforts. Due to the current climate I have opted to remove my business from being for sale. I would highly recommend and will be using them again with another business I own in the near future.PositiveProfessionalism
Dear Stuart, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we appreciate it. Wishing you all the very best for the future. Best wishes Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleAn absolutely professional team. Knowledgeable and friendly. Surprisingly, they are able to work efficiently from long distances. Rob, Katy, Karen and Joshil went out of their way to sell our small business. They knew how to professionally communicate with all of us ( buyer, seller, landlord and all three solicitors) at the same time.
Dear Roya, Thanks for your lovely review of our team, we are really please with your feedback. Thank you or choosing us and we wish you all the very best. Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleI have to say Karen was my saviour when it came to completing the sale of buying Seraphim. She helped me through the whole process and nothing was too much trouble. Karen kept me well informed throughout it all and was always one step ahead with paperwork/phone calls / emails etc. I honestly couldn’t of done it with out her! Thank you so much Karen X
Dear Sarah, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. Karen is thrilled with your kind comments and asked me to pass on her very best wishes with the future. All the best Craig Graham Director
5/5
Googlei was recommended to hylton smyth by one of your previous customers Don at quality meats. our business has now sold for a good price in a good time frame. The valuation was £55,000 and sold for 50, (considering some other valuations came in from other estate agents at 159,000 and 170,000) we were initially going to go with the others but their valuations were ridiculous and they wanted down payments of 600 -800. Hylton Smythe has a much more straight forward approach, pay the fee if it sells. We went with them and initially it was quiet and we were a little disappointed, they just called with updated and no viewings in first month. Then a surge of viewings and from the two offers they got us (50 and 52) we took those advice and went with the lower as it was a cash purchaser. Almost to the day, 6 months after we joined their books the sale was done. Their approach is simple and straightforward and as they were recommended to me, I would go on to endorse and recommend them. They can seem pushy at times, when moving the sale along, but looking back, I’m so glad they were like that. As a bonus and we only realised after we went on their books the company supports charities that help children. Always reassuring to know that you are dealing with big companies who give back to society. My business has supported charities since day 1 and all businesses should do it too. Special thanks to Matthew who you grow to love, he’s on the phone so much pushing the deal through. Thanks to the wider team too.
Dear Martin, Thanks for taking the time to share your experience of our services. We are delighted you were happy with the outcome. We work really hard to make sure that we get the best outcome for you and to do this we are honest about what we think a business will sell for from the start, so its great to hear this feedback. I will pass on your kind words to Matt and the Sales Department. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your well earned retirement, and you know where we are should you need us again in the future. Thanks Again Craig Graham Operations Director
5/5
GoogleI spoke to Jared who was highly knowledgeable and very professional. His advice helped me make a very important business decision - would highly recommend
Dear K W, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we greatly appreciate it! Best wishes, Tommy Sweeney
5/5
GoogleWould just like to say a massive thank you to Karen Currie who handled the sale of my sandwich shop. Throughout the whole process Karen worked professionally and tirelessly, ensuring all parties were kept up to date at all times to ensure that the completion date was achieved. I cannot thank her enough.
Dear Michelle, Thank you for leaving us such lovely feedback; Karen is over the moon! It was a pleasure working with you and should you need anything further, please just let us know. Very best wishes Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleSimon Danvers of Hilton Smythe was exceptionally helpful today. 2 years ago I selected another company to work with. This was a mistake. Simon quickly understood my current situation and offered excellent advice.
Hi Norrie, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we greatly appreciate it! Best wishes, Tommy Sweeney
5/5
GoogleMassive thank you to Karen don’t think Sale would’ve got to completion stage without her she resolved any issues that came up. And kept parties informed with great advice massive thank you to Karen! Alice dealt with our sale big thank you to her I know she worked over her hours, just to get the deal done at the asking price, big personnel thankyou to her, I would recommendPositiveQuality
Dear Bal, Thanks ever so much for taking the time to share your experience. Alice is over the moon with your kind words. Thank you for choosing us as your agent. Craig Graham - Director
5/5
GoogleRecently had the pleasure of working with Gareth Smyth and Jacob Lord of Hilton Smythe on a corporate transaction. Gareth and Jacob were very efficient and knowledgable throughout the process, and overall a great asset to the project. I would happily work with Gareth, Jacob and the team at Hilton Smythe again.
Hi Richard, Thank for taking the time to leave us your lovely feedback, we thoroughly enjoyed working with you on this deal and value your assistance. It was a pleasure working with you and we would welcome the opportunity to do so in the future. All the very best wishes. Gareth Smyth CEO
5/5
GoogleWe have just completed on our sale and can't fault the service. We were looked after by Aidan who was wonderful. He always kept us updated, made the process clear and was always on the end of the phone if we had any queries. Just a lovely guy, thank you Aidan :)
Dear Jenny, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. Aidan is over the moon with your kind comments! Thank you for choosing us as your agent and we wish you all the very best for the future. Craig Graham Director
1/5
GoogleWasn’t happy with Hilton Smythe and wouldn’t recommend. They Initially valued my business at £75k we had some viewers but not huge amount, took over a year and half to sell it. What angers me is the number of price drops it took to sell, the time it took and the huge commission for doing not much, on top of an initial fee for advertisement , copy fee etc. (I had to supply my own photos) Had one offer of £15k which I said no to (as was a lot less than advertised) sales rep seemed angry and said ‘what will you take then!’ I pointed out they valued it at £75k and after commission that would leave us about only £5k. Eventually settled on an offer of £25k BUT out of that was their whopping commission of £6k for doing precious little other than answer a few emails and put an ad on 2 websites. My solicitor did the bulk of the legwork. The commission structure needs changed to a percentage of sale especially for smaller business say 5% of the final sale which would be much fairer. My advice would be to advertise your business yourself on the same website they use and hire a good business solicitor as it’s them that do the bulk of the important work anyway. Out of a valuation of £75k we were left with just £18k after fees.”
Dear Steven, Thank you for leaving us a review, we really appreciate your feedback. We have taken on board the points you have raised and we are very sorry that your experience was not a positive one. We note that the file was closed nearly a year ago and we were not aware of your dissatisfaction with us at the time; we would have hoped to be able to resolve it for you at the time. However, if you need anything, please email enquiries@hiltonsmythe.com or call 01204 556 300, we will be happy to assist / investigate. Best wishes Craig Graham Director
1/5
Google***AVOID AT ALL COST - USE LOCAL AGENTS TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS*** We found out the hard way about Hilton Smyth. PLEASE PLEASE do your research before using this business. We initially decided to sell our business 2 years ago. We were given the hard sell and told that our business was worth £39k excluding stock value! We paid excess of £1500 ex VAT to list our business and we were promised all the bells and whistles, lets just say, we got no bells, no whistles and only two, yes TWO interested parties over the two year period! Despite contacting the Hilton Smyth to raise our concerns, we were passed from pillar to post and our contact wasn't available anytime we called.... I wonder why? Maybe because he sold us a package which they never intended to actually follow through on? Promised regular contact - that's only if you contact them! Absolutely shambolic service but they have their money so they don't care... Still waiting for my business to sell with their expert team who specialise in my business type.... The only time they contact you is to do a 'file review' and ask you to drop your asking price (which they expertly valued the business at!).... We dropped it twice (still no sale!!) Wonder if they will offer a refund for failing to fulfil their contract? Pigs will fly first! On a side note - why does your website have 19 reviews from google showing 5 stars? Has one of your team been tasked to adapt the API requests to Google to filter out poor reviews to make yourself look good?? ***DO NOT USE - DO NOT WASTE YOUR HARD EARND BUSINESS FINANCE PAYING THIS COMPANY TO DO NOTHING FOR YOU!! ***
Dear Darren, I am very sorry to read your review and are eager to investigate and put things right. I would be grateful if you can contact me by email c.graham@hiltonsmythe.com. Best wishes Craig Graham Director
5/5
GoogleAdam Varey has been assisting me with a possible business purchase, he is very professional and informative, I am able to get the information I require in a timely manner which has been very helpful to move things along. I have received brilliant service from this company.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and leave some fantastic feedback for Adam. We really appreciate it.
5/5
GoogleFrom start to finish with my very difficult sale the communication, help and support have made possible a very successful result . I would like to Thank Karen Currie in particular who made it possible to get the sale of the Business over the line so from that i very much recommend Hilton Smythe !PositiveResponsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Dear Caroline, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. Karen is over the moon with your feedback and kind words. Very best wishes from us all for the future. Belinda Daniels Service Manager
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
Hilton Smythe's Bolton office has 245 reviews across two platforms: 243 on Google, 2 on Trustpilot.
Hilton Smythe Bolton is rated 4.6 out of 5 across all 245 reviews, and 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 243 reviews.
Yes. In The Trusted Agent 2026 awards: Hilton Smythe, Bolton won Trusted Agent.
Hilton Smythe Bolton, 20 Wood Street, Bolton, BL1 1DY.
