New era
Executive Chairman Christopher Hamer welcomed everyone before outlining the events of 2018, a busy year of activity across all divisions, and reviewing the minutes of the last AGM.
Voting for vacant roles on the Propertymark Board and for the next Presidents closed two days prior to the AGM and Simon Thomson from independent voting organisation Mi-Voice was on hand to reveal the results. This is always an exciting point in proceedings!
Maxine Fothergill of Amax Estates in Gravesend, was elected to the role of ARLA Propertymark Vice President. In outlining her priorities for the role, Maxine had specified membership growth - speaking to non member firms to promote the range of benefits available for just £230 per year and consumer awareness.
Kirsty Finney, Director of Rodgers & Finney Estate Agents in Northern Ireland stood unchallenged for the role NAEA Propertymark Vice President. Both appointments were warmly received by attendees.
Kirstey Finney, Lauren Scott and Mark Hayward
Richard Selwyn, Phil Keddie, Maxine Fothergill and David Cox
Two seats on the Propertymark board were up for election, the roles are key in setting the strategic priorities for the organisation, with all roles representing the diverse views and experience of the membership. Simon Wilkinson of independent agency the Wilkinson Partnership in Leighton Buzzard was appointed, with Valerie Bannister, Lettings Director of Your Move reappointed.
Kate Hawkins, Head of Finance for Propertymark gave a financial update and outlined the accounts for the year for Propertymark Ltd, Propertymark Qualifications Ltd and Money Shield Ltd as audited by Grant Thornton.
The incoming NAEA Propertymark President for 2019, Lauren Scott of Trading Places in Whitley Bay, Newcastle upon Tyne spoke about buying her agency at the tender age of 23 and the invaluable role that she felt that her membership played in supporting her.
Philip Keddie of Sunshine Rentals in Exmouth takes over from Peter E Savage as President for members of ARLA Propertymark. Philip talked about recent changes in legislation, referencing the solidarity that comes from being part of the association and celebrating the diversity in practice, geography, experience and objectives represented by the range of members’ voices within the Propertymark board and presidential teams.
While the new team hail from locations right across the UK, the common theme in their speeches and objectives was clear – agents have never experienced tougher challenges and membership has never been of greater value.
