EweMove’s new managing director – or ‘head shepherd’ – is a franchisee.

Nick Neill launched the York franchise in 2014, coming from a non-estate agency background.

In three years, he drove revenue up by 1,900%.

Neill 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.

“With our unrivalled commitment to customer care and our use of pioneering technology, 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.”

Ian Wilson, chief executive of The Property Franchise Group which acquired EweMove last year in a £15m deal, 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.

“Over the past three years, Nick has built a hugely successful franchise business, and his senior level appointment represents our ongoing commitment to the future, the building of our successes to date, and our continuing growth across the industry.”

The original founders of EweMove went with the business when it was sold last September, but quit in June – sacrificing any chance of achieving their earn-outs.

This latest announcement is set to be shortly followed by two further senior level additions to The Property Franchise Group team, with managing directors for the group’s Martin & Co brand and Xperience brands respectively expected to be in position next month.

The York office of EweMove is now managed by Neill’s wife, Sarah Neill.