Russell started his first estate agency in 1976 based in Leeds City Centre. After 3 years he was the first agent to move to the suburbs and over the next few years opened 3 more branches. In 1987 he sold the business to Royal Insurance, who owned William H Brown, and became their Regional MD responsible for 65 branches, gaining much experience in running a large company in the process. Russell left in 1990 and in 1991 founded Manning & Company covering North Leeds, and in 2000 merged with Staintons to form Manning Stainton, creating the most successful Agency in the Yorkshire Region.
In 2022 the business acquired the 25 Branch Ryder & Dutton based in Lancashire The combined business employed over 450 people operating from 40 Sales and Lettings branches, and 3 specialist departments, including Mortgages, Conveyancing and Auctions, with an annual turnover of over £26 million. The Company is widely recognised as one of the top 20 leading independent agencies in the UK and has won a multitude of National Awards including Northern Estate Agency of the Year 3 years in a row.
A the end of 2025 the business was acquired by PE backed LRG Group creating a Northern subsidiary which Mark Manning continues as Managing Director.
Construction and Property
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Fast Growth
Finance
Innovation
Management Skills
Market Research
Marketing
Negotiation
Project Management
Risk & Crisis Management
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Sustainability
