Simpson & Marwick returns to Aberdeen after six-year absence

(from left) Sean Nicol, Rob Aberdein, Nikki Hempseed, and Gary Wales
Scottish legal and property brand Simpson & Marwick, with roots dating back to 1886, is making a significant return to the Aberdeen property market after a six-year hiatus.
The firm, previously synonymous with high-value sales in the North East, exited the city in 2019 under its former ownership, when former owner, Clyde & Co initiated the brand’s exit from the city, to focus on its commercial and corporate legal practice.
Simpson & Marwick returns under the stewardship of Aberdeen businessman Rob Aberdein, and is focused on re-establishing itself in the region, driven by a belief that the granite city and its surrounding area deserve better.
As group managing director Mr Aberdein will work alongside Nikki Hempseed, formerly Aberdein Considine’s Union Street branch manager, who joins the business to spearhead the expansion.
Mr Aberdein, whose father Harvey Aberdein co-founded Aberdein Considine, where he was previously an equity Partner, returns to his native North East with a vision to deliver excellence in property and legal services.
He said: “Aberdeen has been home to my family for many generations, and I’m incredibly proud to bring Simpson & Marwick back. The North East deserves a first-class estate agency service, and we’re here to provide that.
“With major developments and investment coming down the pipeline in energy, business, and infrastructure, I believe that Aberdeen is on the cusp of a real resurgence. Now is therefore the perfect time for Simpson & Marwick to return and play its part in that story.
“I’ve been really impressed with the efforts of Bob Keillor and the team at Our Union Street and am pleased therefore that our Aberdeen base will be at number 214 of the historic granite mile.
“In Nikki we have one of the most respected estate agents in the North East, with an exceptional knowledge of the property market and a proven track record of delivering results. Her ability to build trust, provide expert guidance, and secure outstanding results makes her the perfect person to lead our Aberdeen City and Shire expansion.
“In the coming months we will be recruiting across a range of property and legal roles and I’d love to connect with any old colleagues and exceptionally talented and ambitious professionals who want to join us and be part of a really exciting and ambitious project.”
With more than 35 years of experience, working with leading local and national firms, Ms Hempseed is excited at the opportunity to reestablish a historic brand in her native North East, with new office space now secured and opening in the coming weeks.
She said: “For me, estate agency isn’t just about transactions – it’s about relationships. Whether I’m helping a first-time buyer get the keys to their first home, supporting a family moving into their forever house, or guiding someone through a difficult sale due to a divorce or bereavement, my role is to be there every step of the way.
“That personal connection is what drives me, and I’m looking forward to bringing that to Simpson & Marwick’s clients in Aberdeen and to be working with Rob once again.”
The firm’s return to Aberdeen marks the start of a new era for Simpson & Marwick, with an ambitious vision to modernise while maintaining its time-honoured commitment to client service.
Ms Hempseed’s appointment comes after Rob Aberdein returned to Simpson & Marwick after three years as chief commercial officer at Progeny, the private-equity backed professional services firm.
She will work closely with Simpson & Marwick’s ex-Hearts and Kilmarnock footballer Gary Wales and former Edinburgh Solicitor Estate Agents, Coulters’ sales director, Sean Nicol.
Mr Nicol and Mr Wales were previously heavily involved in the national expansion of well-known Scottish solicitor estate agent McEwan Fraser and now lead the group’s property division.