New Ethical Agent Network announces advisory team

A soon-to-be-launched network that will unite and support independent ethical estate agencies has unveiled an advisory team of experienced agents.

The Ethical Agent Network (EAN), founded by well-known industry partner Jerry Lyons, announced the line-up, which will help guide the EAN as it evolves.

Several national agents are featured in the line-up.

Asad Riaz and Vicky Bibiris of Location Location

Michelle Gallagher of JDG Estate Agents

Luke St Clair of Knightsbridge Estate Agents & Valuers

Spencer Lawrence of Paramount Properties

Nick Cheshire of Nest in Essex

Abigail Grey of Grey & Co

Dave Gibbons of Courtyard Homes

Lyons said: “We have worked with estate agencies for more than 12 years and have got to know the people on the Advisory Team during that time. They are all exceptional agents but, more importantly, fantastic human beings who all aim to do the right thing.

“We invited the team based on their integrity, proven track record and dedication to elevating industry standards. We’re chuffed that they accepted, and we look forward to working closely with them to help our colleagues, clients and the communities we serve.”

The EAN aims to unite the most ethical estate agents in the UK, offering customers service based on trust, honesty and results.

To uphold these principles, the network will provide its members with ongoing support, training and access to valuable resources that promote professionalism and exceptional customer service.

Lyons added: “The Advisory Team’s wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards will be invaluable as we develop and grow our network. We look forward to working with them to ensure our members can thrive in an increasingly competitive market by offering outstanding services, personal care, and a chance to make a positive difference to the communities they serve.”

In addition to providing their expertise, the EAN Advisory Team will play a crucial role in vetting potential members and suppliers for the network. Only agents and suppliers demonstrating a clear commitment to ethical practices and meeting the network’s strict membership criteria will be accepted when it launches in October 2023.

Mat Shanton leads Rapleys’ new homes team

Rapleys has launched a new homes team under the Rapleys Living part of the business, itself set-up earlier this year as part of the business’s innovation and growth strategy.

Rapleys New Homes will be led by Mat Shenton who has over 15 years’ experience in new homes sales across London and the South-East. He joins from JLL where he was a director in the residential development team for four and a half years, dealing with a range of large scale and public sector developers. Prior to JLL, Mat spent over seven years at Savills focussing on new homes on-site sales and development consultancy.

Rapleys Living sits within the residential division, one of four key service offers in the organisation – and encompasses all residential agency functions including residential development agency (land acquisitions and disposals), senior living (care and retirement), student and co-living and Build to Rent (both Multifamily and Single Family Housing).

The new homes team will work closely with Rapleys private and public sector clients across the UK to drive residential sales and provide strategic sales and consultancy advice to maximise new homes values.

This is the second high-profile and senior hire within Rapleys Living since its launch in May 2023 following Tom Spencer joining as partner to lead the residential development agency team with a focus on acquisition and disposal of residential land. Rapleys’ market leading Affordable Housing and Development Consulting team sits alongside Rapleys Living within the Residential Division.

Angus Irvine, partner and head of Rapleys Living, said: “Since the launch of Rapleys Living in May, we have worked hard to continue to build the team, the offer and the success. Mat’s appointment as head of Rapleys New Homes is core to our plans for all of this. He brings a wealth of experience and will be a key part of our continued growth in the Residential Sector alongside Tom Spencer who joined us recently.”

The last 12 months have been hugely transformative for our business with a new brand, several acquisitions, the reorganisation of the business around fewer core Divisions and a huge investment in people. We are continuing to look at opportunities to launch other residential agency-related services and hire talented people to further grow our expertise and knowledge in this area.”

Mat Shenton commented: “I’m hugely motivated at the opportunity to join a transformative business with a strong growth plan, underpinned by further investment and a collaborative culture, and moreover, to be part of the story. Rapleys has a unique position in the market by being involved in the development lifecycle from the very beginning as land potential starts to be discussed, and that opens so many opportunities for the team to add real value. The New Homes piece of the puzzle will fit in perfectly and I can’t wait to get started.”

Cushman & Wakefield announces key Scottish appointments and promotions

Cushman & Wakefield has announced two promotions and two new appointments within the company’s Scottish operation.

Neil Johnston and Adam Watt have been promoted to associate partners.

Based in Edinburgh, Johnston works in the project management team, while Watt has been a member of the firm  for four years.

Now working alongside Johnston is recent recruit Greg Sprakel, who joins the business as a project manager following a spell with Currie & Brown.

A further recruit, Michael Sinclair, has joined as an associate surveyor to support existing partner, Paul Lejkowski.

Murray Strang, managing partner, Scotland at Cushman & Wakefield, said, “Neil and Adam have been involved in significant projects for the business in the last year and represent a strong foundation for future leadership within the Cushman & Wakefield business. Both thoroughly deserve recognition through these promotions.

“We are delighted to also welcome Greg and Michael to their respective teams where we see considerable potential for growth in each service line.”