Congrats to the new owner of Riverside, Kyle!
You may have read in one of our earlier posts that we acquired the sales and lettings business, Riverside Property, in early 2023. Our plan was to migrate the Riverside lettings customers into Ultralets and run Riverside Property as an entirely separate residential sales brand with a full rebrand and reboot of systems / processes.
Initially it seemed like an exciting idea, but on reflection, we decided that it wasn’t right for us.
For many reasons we decided against entering the residential sales realm - ultimately, our main focus is Ultralets. We have other ideas in the pipeline that make more sense for us to explore that will compliment our current Ultralets offering and we’re keen to grow our management client list both organically and through further acquisitions.
However, we knew there was a fantastic opportunity for someone else to take over the well-respected Riverside brand which has active leads and a strong, established reputation.
It wasn’t long before we found the right man for the job in Kyle Hardwick, who was keen to take the plunge and take on the brand.
We caught up with Kyle in this Q&A to give you the run-down on his experience and plans:
What’s your background? Have you purchased businesses before?
“I've worked in an estate agency since early 2017, working for both family-run firms of varying sizes and larger corporate firms in Hull & Leeds.
Starting as a trainee, I soon realised it was a job I loved and had a huge passion for and quickly progressed through the ranks from negotiator, to valuer, did lettings for a while and then ultimately Branch Manager.
I've never bought or even run my own business previously, but always had autonomy to run any branch I've managed as if it were my own.”
Why did you decide to take over Riverside?
“I've always wanted to run my own agency and when Spencer approached me about this opportunity, initially I wasn't sure.
After a bit of research and huge support from family and friends, I realised it was too good an opportunity to miss.
Riverside has been an established brand for nearly 20 years so wanting to run my own agency under an established brand made better sense and I'm really excited to get started properly.”
What’s been your biggest challenge so far with the relaunch?
“Definitely getting to grips with all aspects of running a business - being a marketing expert, IT expert and making sure everything set up looks professional and consistent with the new image. It has been a huge learning curve and has been stressful at times but the more I'm seeing everything come together, the more I recognise it's definitely worth it.”
How did you find the experience purchasing a business from Synergy Forward?
“The help and support from Spencer and the whole team has been second to none. So many people have been on hand for support, advice and assistance. They certainly want me to succeed as much as I do. They have made the whole process effortless and I dare say, I wouldn't be in this position if it was someone else.”
Would you recommend to others buying an established business?
“Buying an established business gives more reassurance than a cold start as you are buying a brand and a name that people already know. Do your research, know what you're getting and make sure you have the passion and drive to continue to make it a success.”
What are your plans with Riverside? What can we expect to see in the future?
“I'll be continuing to run the business as a sales only agency with a fresh new look. Initially I will be working from Willerby Mortgage Services office in Willerby and my goal is to run the business as your local, personal agent, on hand to provide support through every step of the way from the initial valuation or viewing through to legal completion. If you are looking to sell or buy across Hull or surrounding areas then reach out and I'd be more than happy to help get you moving. Email me on kyle@riversideproperty.co.uk or call 01482 322411 / 07522 804379.”
Once again we’d like to say a big congratulations to Kyle for his recent acquisition, it was a pleasure to pass this business across to you and we’re wishing you the best of luck in the future.