Industry duo lead charge to buy Relocation Agent Network
Simon Whale and Kevin Ellis have created new team to snap up and run leading estate agency group including the launch of expansion plans.
One of the largest and oldest estate agency groupings the Relocation Agent Network (RAN) has been sold to a consortium headed up by two industry figures.
Simon Whale and Kevin Ellis have lead the charge via business Realogist, which has acquired the 650-agent strong network from Dwellworks, keeping Ian Stratford, who is an existing director.
RAN helps vendors and buyers connect with affiliated agents across the UK and has been running since 1994. It is now being headed up by Kerfuffle senior Richard Durrant who becomes MD with immediate effect.
His boss and former Reapit senior Simon Whale, who established Kerfuffle, has been joined by Kevin Ellis. He is a senior at estate agency Thomas Mae and also runs the Land and New Homes Network.
Potential
“The potential of RAN is enormous,” says Durrant (pictured). “As a respected network with many exceptional agencies, we’re looking to build on both the agent and consumer offering.
“This is an exciting new chapter for RAN, and we have pulled together a strong leadership team who know the industry well, have strong track records and care about helping agents unlock more revenue.”
Ellis (main pic, right) adds: “Investing in a network like RAN with agent collaboration at its core makes perfect sense to us and aligns with our wider business interests which include the Land & New Homes Network.
“There are so many best-in-class agencies within its ranks that we feel with the addition of fresh enthusiasm, industry experience and investments in the tech and marketing side of the network, we will be able to help members achieve more success.”
Whale (main pic, left) comments: “RAN has been such an important part of my time in this industry, to have so many of the very best agents in the country working collaboratively has always been something special, so to have the opportunity to be part of that going forwards is a dream come true.
“Dwellworks have been highly efficient and professional, and we’re looking forward to working with them in a new relationship and with our focus on growing the network with best in class agencies and supporting members with new features and services.
The new team at RAN are planning a series of webinars over the next few days to share their “wider vision with members”.
