Harrogate property firm FSS is celebrating a quarter of a century in business after first opening its doors on Raglan Street in 1994.
As the only Harrogate agent to cover both residential and commercial property, the firm’s breadth of industry knowledge has seen them called on to value some intriguing sites over the years including specialised properties, chapels, warehouses and even an airfield.
FSS has been behind some of the region’s most prominent property deals with sales for the Ripley Estate and the rental of a luxury eco house in Follifoot amongst those hitting the headlines and attracting attention way beyond the local area.
Originally known as Feather Smailes Scales, after the three Yorkshire estate agents who founded it, the business has established itself to become one of the largest independent property businesses in Yorkshire with a team of 30 staff based at its Harrogate office.
Partner Richard Smailes, whose father Charles is one of the founders, said strong local connections that have been forged over many years mean FSS frequently sells properties off market, recent examples including a £3.75 million house with 18 acres including stabling and cottages and another at £1.75 million in six acres of land.
“FSS and our team have always been cemented within the community and the relationships we have with businesses and property owners means people trust us and keep coming back,” he said.
Richard, Simon and Charles have also raised millions for local charities by donating their time and auction skills at charity and sporting fundraising events.
Partner Simon Croft, who joined the business over 20 years ago to develop the company further, said FSS had made it a priority to have experts in all areas of property.
“We are the only firm in Harrogate to operate across all five property disciplines – residential sales, lettings, commercial property, auctions and surveys.
“Our mission has always been to have the knowledge and expertise in house to ensure we can deliver a quality service and good value for money in each department which is why ongoing professional training for our staff is something we are very keen on,” said Simon.
“I am extremely proud that we have such a talented and loyal team working for us who always go the extra mile for clients and really seem to enjoy the unique family atmosphere in the office, which is of benefit to clients old and new” he added.
Richard and Simon are keen sportsmen, sponsoring a wide variety of Sports clubs in the area and FSS will celebrate its landmark anniversary with a series of events at its Raglan Street offices to coincide with 2019 Road Cycling World Championships which comes to Harrogate in September.