The Fusion Group of Companies has branched out into residential property sales, launching Rio Residential.
With its commercial agency Drysdale & Company dealing exclusively with the hospitality sector, the group has teamed up with property professional Judy Shields for the latest expansion.
Shields, 31, comes from Dunblane and has been working in the sector at a senior level for the last eight years. Latterly she was senior associate director with Strutt & Parker in Edinburgh, having also spent time with McEwan Fraser as a residential and commercial property surveyor.
Her career has also seen her as a client relationship manager for restructuring at KPMG, and an area director for Clyde Property in Stirling.
With listings already underway from Stirling down through Edinburgh and to the Scottish Borders, Rio Residential will cover all aspects of residential sales, including redevelopment projects, property sourcing and off market deals.
Shields said she is looking to bring a new approach to the Scottish industry, with a one point of contact service, adopting the way brokerages operate in the US, Australia and Dubai.
“Edinburgh property has been set in its ways for too long, I want to shake things up and do them differently and better,” she commented.
While Rio Residential will operate as a stand alone brand within Fusion, Shields will collaborate with group director Alex McKie, who will promote the business within his portfolio of owned hospitality businesses, including The Isle of Skye Guest House and Old Churches House in Dunblane.
Shields said: “Starting my own agency is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now.
“I feel that with Alex’s backing as a proven entrepreneur, the time is right to exploit the many opportunities I see now in residential property which is experiencing a real boom.”
Established in 2006 and based in the central belt, the Fusion Group predominantly serves the property, hospitality and events sectors.
Companies under the umbrella include Fusion Meetings & Events, destination management businesses Clearly London and Clearly Scotland, along with several hotels, self catering establishments and holiday parks, restaurants and venues, together with serviced apartments.
Drysdale & Company, specialising in the hospitality sector, has been part of the mix since 2021.
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