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Staff Reporter
Richardson & Wrench has added a new office to its ranks, its 12th since mid last year, with a long-term northern Sydney-based independent agency joining the group earlier this week.
Iain Mackinnon, owner of Mackinnons Estate Agents in Frenchs Forest, has merged with the existing R&W Frenchs Forest/Forestville office, previously headed by Roy Clare.
Mr Mackinnon said he joined R&W following changes in his local market which saw a number of other independents taken over by larger franchise operators.
“I opened my own independent office in 1999 but real estate is changing and I believe the future is firmly with the major franchise groups,” he said.
“The days of the smaller independents and smaller franchise groups may be nearing an end as two other local Forestville independents have joined major franchises in the last few years.
Mr Mackinnon also cited flat fee franchise costs, brand strength and reputation as reasons for joining R&W in particular.
Both partners will be actively involved in sales, with Mr Clare also taking charge of property management and Mr Mackinnon leading staff training, R&W said.
R&W executive director Andrew Cocks said Mr Mackinnon brought more than 20 years of local knowledge and sales experience to the new office, and was a natural fit with the Richardson & Wrench brand.
“The decision by Iain to join our network after 23 years as an independent was not taken lightly,” said Mr Cocks.
“We are extremely pleased that the values of our brand aligned with his own, and that he sees a rewarding future with our network.”
The new office opening, which follows another in early June in the outer Sydney suburb of Narellan, is the twelfth since the company, which started operations in 1858, announced expansion plans last year. The real estate group has around 100 offices in NSW and Queensland.
R&W Group franchise manager Peter Flynn said Richardson & Wrench was looking to further expand in Sydney's northern beaches, leveraging the reputation and brand strength of its existing offices.
“The Richardson & Wrench name is well-recognised in this location however we see potential to tap into areas where we are not currently represented in the beach suburbs north of Collaroy.”
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