East Yorkshire estate and letting agents Oscars has signalled its intent to continue driving business growth with the acquisition of Gro Residential Management from Hull-based property specialists Garness Group.
It is the second significant development for Oscars in the past 12 months, as highly experienced property investment/development and asset management specialist Paul Callis joined as a director in November 2025.
The acquisition coincides with one of the most significant periods of change in the private rented sector following the recent introduction of the Renters Reform Bill.
All members of the Gro Residential Management team have transferred to Oscars, ensuring continuity and a seamless transition for the business, staff, and the landlords and tenants it serves.
Alisdair Bott-Francis, founder of Oscars, which has been established for 18 years, says he is delighted to be bringing together two experienced and committed teams in a move he feels will deliver the highest standards of service.
“We are absolutely thrilled to add the Gro Residential Management team to the Oscars family,” he said.
“They each bring a wealth of experience, professionalism and industry knowledge, which will be a tremendous asset to our business and to the clients we proudly serve.
“Just as importantly, their arrival complements the strength of our existing team, whose loyalty, dedication and hard work have played such an important role in the continued success of Oscars over many years.
“Bringing together two experienced and committed teams places us in a fantastic position moving forward. This is an exciting time for the business, and I am very much looking forward to working together as one team, continuing to grow the Oscars family, and delivering the high standards of service that landlords and tenants expect from us.”
Long-standing business relationships key
The acquisition comes on the back of long-standing professional relationships between all parties involved, as both Mr Bott-Francis and Mr Callis have known Garness Group founder and managing director David Garness for many years.
Mr.Callis first worked with Mr Garness more than two decades ago when building his own property portfolio, purchasing many of his early investments through the Garness Jones commercial property team.
“We are incredibly proud that David has trusted Oscars with the Gro Residential Management business, its staff, and its clients,” said Mr Callis.
“There is a strong history between our businesses, and we are committed to carrying forward the excellent service already established while continuing to invest in people, systems and relationships.
“The trust built between our businesses over many years has made this a natural fit, and we are excited about the opportunities this acquisition creates for both our team and our clients.
“Bringing together two strong teams gives us an exciting platform for the future, and I am genuinely looking forward to the continued growth of the Oscars family in the years ahead.”
Deal ‘in best interests of both businesses’
Unlike larger corporate organisations that often absorb independent agencies into national structures, Oscars remains a local, family-run business, focused on delivering a personal, hands-on service to both landlords and tenants.
Mr Garness says the reassurance of Gro Residential Management being taken forward by a local company he knows well was key to agreeing the deal.
He says the move will allow Garness Group to focus on its core activities of commercial property, development and investment through Garness Jones, and specialised residential block management through Pure Block Management, across Yorkshire and The Humber, with both businesses operating from offices in Hull and York.
“I’m extremely proud of the success we have had with Gro Residential Management, and really pleased also that we have been able to turn to a company in Oscars which has similar values to ours in terms of its complete commitment to customer service,” he said.
“This move allows us to focus on the continued development of Garness Jones and Pure Block Management, each of which have built upon decades of success in the Humber region with significant growth in recent times following the opening of offices in York.
“I was very keen to find an East Yorkshire-based business to take on Gro Residential Management, and retain the current team, as it was important to us that our high service levels were maintained for our long-established clients.
“We know we have found this in Oscars and we wish them, and of course our team members who have moved on, all the best for the future.”
Oscars keen to discuss further acquisition opportunities
Mr Bott-Francis says the purchase of Gro Residential Management is unlikely to be the last.
“We are aiming to continue to grow through the acquisition of like-minded lettings businesses and welcome private, confidential, and no-obligation discussions with any letting agents across East Yorkshire, York, or Lincolnshire who may be considering an exit from the lettings sector,” he said.
Oscars will also continue to strengthen its long-standing relationship with the Garness Group through ongoing referrals, ensuring both businesses continue to support one another in their respective specialist sectors.