Spicerhaart has overturned a recent ruling from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in regards to its independence.

The Spicerhaart Group, which is made up of six estate agency brands – Darlows, Fine, Felicity J Lord, haart, Haybrook and Spicer McColl – referred a recent case involving Darlows to Sir Hayden Phillips, the independent reviewer at the ASA.

Originally, the ASA had upheld a claim brought by Kelvin Francis Estate Agents with reference to the use of the term ‘independent’ in a regional press advert for Darlows.

However, after careful consideration, including a full report from the independent reviewer Sir Hayden Phillips, the ASA has concluded that the original decision from the advertising industry watchdog was ‘flawed’ and the adjudication has been updated (under Issue Three) on the grounds that Spicerhaart was privately owned and controlled, and independent of any other larger concerns.

As a result Darlows and the other Spicerhaart brands are now free to state in future press adverts that they are ‘part of the UK’s largest independent estate agency group.’

Paul Smith, CEO of Spicerhaart says: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the ASA ruling. This is a victory for common sense and we look forward once again to referring to Darlows, and the other Spicerhaart brands, as being part of the UK’s largest independent estate agency group.”