Two big estate agency names join hybrid agency’s board
Purplebricks founder Kenny Bruce joins as NED while Harry Hill has been appointed Chairman, saying estate agency is 'still ‘a people business'.
Estate agency veterans Harry Hill and Kenny Bruce have joined the board of The Agency UK (TAUK) after the cloud-based franchise business completed its latest and oversubscribed funding round.
Hill (main picture), former Chief Executive of Countrywide and subsequently Deputy Chair of Hunters, has been appointed Chairman of TAUK’s board while Purplebricks founder Bruce has been appointed as Senior Non-Executive Director.
PEOPLE BUSINESS
Hill, who also served as the first Chairman of Rightmove, says: “I have achieved a modicum of success in agency and various principles have always been paramount to me – principally that despite technology assistance, agency is a people business and that the finest businesses will always seek to attract, train, support and retain the best people.”
And he adds: “Those people will ask clients for and deserve premium fees and succeed by delivering on what they promise.
Their sensible ambitions, which I totally share, are both achievable and exciting.”
“I was therefore delighted to be asked to chair this business where the founders passionately share my views – evidenced by the success that they have achieved to date against almost frightening market and interest rate head winds.
“Their sensible ambitions, which I totally share, are both achievable and exciting.”
Andrew Vass, Chief Executive of TAUK, says: “We are thrilled to close this initial funding round with such overwhelming interest in our vision for the UK real estate market.
“As a UK-based business, we have the advantage of steering our direction with agility, adapting to market conditions while maintaining control over our operations.
“We are deeply honoured and grateful to have Harry Hill and Kenny Bruce join our board and be part of TAUK’s journey.”
PREMIUM SERVICES
TAUK Founder Mark Bruce adds: “Our intention was always to offer a premium suite of services to ensure the success of each estate agent joining us to build their businesses.
“This significant investment of capital, with the endorsement of Harry and Kenny, shows we have one of the best solutions for estate agents considering the self-employed route.
“We are now poised to increase our Partner Agent headcount across the UK and look forward to talking with agents about how our support, lead generation and tools will give them a unique edge in the marketplace.”
