Many of the country’s leading letting agency brands have joined forces with Propertymark to deliver a training and development strategy for up to 1,000 personnel.

The brands are high profile and include Linley & Simpson across Yorkshire and the Humber; Thornley Groves in Greater Manchester and Cheshire; John Shepherd in Birmingham and the Midlands; Brand Vaughan plus Michael Jones and Company in the South East; as well as DJ Alexander and Stonehouse in Scotland. 

All the brands are in the fast-growing Lomond Group, formed some 128 months ago and now boasting a combined portfolio of rental properties in excess of 35,000. 

It operates in major hubs in private rental hotspots including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and York. 

Now for the first time, Lomond will work in partnership with Propertymark to deliver a new online learning Level 3 qualification across the entirety of its network. 

This will cover both residential letting and property management; and the sale of residential property. 

Clare Wakeford, Lomond Group’s director of human resources, says: “As a growing, people-powered success story, we are thrilled to forge this major new link-up with the Propertymark team. It will elevate our customer service to new heights.

“Today’s announcement further strengthens ambitions to become the UK’s leading collection of lettings and sales agencies. It also reinforces our commitment to invest in our biggest asset – our people. Employing brilliant people is one of the golden threads in our ambitious growth strategy.

“We are determined to attract, retain and develop the most talented and passionate property professionals, creating a best-in-class working environment where they can thrive. 

“This new initiative will help us achieve that, as well as add an extra dimension to the raft of career pathways and person-centred development opportunities that already exist across Team Lomond.”

And Tracey Thompson, head of learning and development at the Lomond Group, adds: “Attracting the best talent in our industry is our highest priority. We make it our mission to lead on innovation and customer service – the two come hand-in-hand.

“Our people are at the forefront of our business and we will continue to grow a working environment which not only supports and invests in our people, but also puts their development at the heart of everything we do.”

The training will be provided by Propertymark Qualifications.

“The Lomond Group is well-known and respected, and our new partnership will help ensure it maintains its authoritative market position. We look forward to fostering the knowledge and careers of more exceptional professionals” comments Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson.

“The appetite amongst agents to professionalise the sector is overwhelming – and this commitment by the Lomond Group couldn’t be a better example.”