Felicity J Lord says that it is delighted that some of its most successful recruits have excelled in their new agency new roles despite having no previous property industry experience.

The London-based firm has five new starters who have switched careers due to the Covid pandemic.

They all have different backgrounds, from hospitality to the travel industry, but have all decided to develop their careers and transferable skills by training in agency and lettings.

Antony Lark, Felicity J Lord’s group managing director, said: “Bringing people with talent from other sectors into our industry is something we pride ourselves on and are passionate about.

“Some of our best performers joined us with no experience and developed their careers with us and we are always keen to hear from people who feel they have something to contribute to estate agency.”

Lucy White, previously at Selfridges as a sales assistant, and Olivia Salter, who worked for an events company as a client services executive, are now with the Clerkenwell branch as a negotiator and property manager, while Radoslaw Pekala, a former business travel agent, is now based at Canary Wharf as a Negotiator.

Sade Salau, who recently graduated and has also worked in the hospitality industry operates out of Greenwich as a lettings negotiator, and Victoria Collins has joined Blackheath Village as a branch partner after working as cabin crew for a major international airline after a previous career in estate agency.

Anthony Szabo, Felicity J Lord Area Director, said: “While Covid has had a terrible impact on so many people, it has also introduced a new group of people to the world of estate agency and lettings.

“We have found their arrival in our branches has had an incredible impact because customer service seems ingrained at their core, and I would like to doff my cap to all those people who’ve sought a new career out of adversity.”

White said: “During my time in Selfridges, I gained confidence very quickly as I was working with new people consistently. I am also used to working with high end clients which made the transition to Clerkenwell easier. I have found the transition of skills from my previous industry successful so far.”

Her colleague Salter added: “I have loved my first 10 months at Felicity J Lord and have been helped every step of the way by my team and colleagues. I have received extensive training which has helped me further my knowledge and made me feel comfortable in all aspects of my role.”

Pekala said: “I was made redundant from my last job and I’m so glad I was able to see the potential in the property industry and can use my customer service experience in a new role I enjoy.”

Salau was promoted within nine months to lettings associate due to her hard work and commitment to development. She said: “When I wasgiven the opportunity to work for a reputable brand with clear career progression, I couldn’t turn it down! Lettings has completely opened my eyes to my career prospects.”

Collins spoke about her transferable skills from the travel industry. She commented: “I worked in all cabins from upper class to economy and met many different people. The skill of talking to people is equally essential when you’re out visiting properties or speaking to customers on the phone.”