Bath-based property developer and business angel Chris Bamford has acquired a significant shareholding in free price comparison website for estate agents Netanagent.
The six-figure investment by Mr Bamford, a director of several businesses including Boss Development (Bath), will enable Netanagent to embark on a targeted digital and media advertising campaign aimed at increasing its visibility in the domestic property market. 
Netanagent will also benefit from the commercial experience of Mr Bamford, who joins the Kent-based firm’s board as a director.
Netanagent, which launched in 2012, compares estate agents and helps people selling or renting properties get the best service and most competitive rates.
Visitors to the site enter details about their property and then review the best fees and services offered to them by local and online estate agents. After comparing proposals, they simply select the one which best suits their needs.
Mr Bamford was able to receive a significant tax refund by ensuring his investment qualified under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), the Government-backed initiative which offers generous tax reliefs to individuals and certain trustees investing in smaller, unquoted companies.
The transaction was led by Alex Pyatt, pictured below, company commercial partner in commercial law firm Thrings’ Bath office. He provided Chris with ongoing legal advice, including drafting the investment agreement and bespoke articles of association.
Advice on the complex rules around EIS came from Thrings partner Malcolm Emery, a dual qualified chartered tax adviser and solicitor who advises individuals, private companies, corporations and trustees on legal, tax and succession matters. 
Mr Bamford said: “The popularity of price comparison websites has grown enormously in recent years, with an increasing number of consumers enjoying being able to find reliable information on commoditised services quickly and conveniently.
“As such, a company disrupting the estates agency market provided a strong investment opportunity, especially taking into account its extraordinary growth.”
Alex Pyatt added: “In the three years since its launch, Netanagent has become the leading UK estate agent comparison site, providing homeowners with comprehensive marketing proposals from local and online estate agents. Chris’ investment means the business is well-set to further enhance its position in the property market.
“Thrings is very pleased to have acted on Chris’ behalf, not only by helping to document his investment but also ensuring it met the necessary EIS qualifying conditions.”
