Russell Manning, founder of Northern Estate Agencies Group and Manning Stainton, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The honour recognises his contribution to the Jewish community and charitable causes through decades of voluntary work across Leeds and the surrounding area.
Manning is well-known within the property industry for establishing Manning Stainton, which grew into one of the largest independent estate agency businesses in the North before becoming part of Northern Estate Agencies Group. The group later brought together Manning Stainton, Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers before joining LRG.
Alongside his career in property, Manning has held a number of voluntary positions with organisations including Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, Leeds Jewish Housing Association and the United Hebrew Congregation. He has served as chair of both Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and Leeds Jewish Housing Association, organisations that provide housing, care and welfare services to local communities.
Manning has also supported fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support. Since 2012, Manning Stainton has raised more than £250,000 for the charity through a range of fundraising initiatives.
The MBE recognises his contribution to community and charitable work over more than three decades.
Manning said: “I am incredibly humbled to receive this honour. Leeds has been my home all my life and it has been a privilege to play a part in supporting organisations that mean so much to so many people.
“Whether through Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, Leeds Jewish Housing Association, the United Hebrew Congregation, Macmillan Cancer Support, or the wider community, I have been fortunate to work alongside remarkable people who give their time, energy and care to help others.”
“This recognition is not about one person. It belongs to all the trustees, volunteers, colleagues, supporters, friends and family who have worked so hard over many years to make a difference.”
Mark Manning, managing director of Northern Estate Agencies Group and Russell’s son, added: “This is a very proud moment for my Dad, our family and everyone connected with the business.
“He is very well known for his career in estate agency and for building a business with strong values, but what makes this honour so deserved is the impact he has had far beyond business.
“He has always believed that a successful business should be a force for good, and so much of the fundraising for Macmillan was driven through the people, branches and culture of Manning Stainton. That says everything about the way he led the business and the example he set.
“His contribution to the Jewish community, to charity, and to Leeds more widely, has been enormous and we are all absolutely delighted to see that recognised.”
