A FRANCHISEE who brought estate agency business EweMove to York has been appointed as managing director of the national operation.

Nick Neill was one of the business’s first franchisees when he opened the York operation in 2014.

Now based in Cleckheaton he is tasked with running the national business while his wife Sarah takes over the York network.

Mr Neill takes to the role a wealth of experience across sales and commercial directorship, as well as in-depth knowledge of the EweMove brand.

He was instrumental in pioneering a multi-million pound revenue-generating online product for one of the world’s leading publishing organisations, and saw his own EweMove franchise’s commission increase by 1900 per cent in just three years.

Mr Neill, who until recently sat on the board of York Professionals, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have taken the helm at EweMove and am hugely excited about the opportunity to further drive forward a business that I am immensely passionate about.

“As the UK’s first hybrid agency we’ve always been at the very forefront of innovation, and it’s this ongoing commitment that will see us continue to lead the way and transform estate agency as we know it.

“EweMove’s proposition is all about our customers’ needs, and our overarching business model ensures that every one of our franchisees is able to consistently deliver on our promise of a high quality and personal service each and every time.

“We will ensure that we remain ahead of the game through making each of our franchises as successful as possible, and through expanding our franchise network across the UK.”

Mr Neill said he aims to grow the EweMove franchise network from 110 to more than 300 over the next couple of years.

Ian Wilson, chief executive of The Property Franchise Group which acquired EweMove last year, said: “Nick has exceptional commercial experience and a very real passion and commitment for EweMove and everything it stands for, and we’re delighted to be welcoming him as managing director.

“His senior level appointment represents our ongoing commitment to the future.”