The Lomond Group of estate agencies has joined forces with Propertymark to deliver a new training and development strategy.

The company says that the new agreement with the industry body is designed to nurture the home-grown talent of its 1,000 or so employees across all its high street brands.

These include Linley & Simpson across Yorkshire and the Humber; Thornley Groves in Greater Manchester and Cheshire; John Shepherd in its Birmingham and Midlands hub; Brand Vaughan plus Michael Jones and Company in the South East; as well as DJ Alexander and Stonehouse in its Scottish heartlands.

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, said: “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.

“The 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.”

The training will be provided by Propertymark Qualifications, whose dedicated team offers specialist, regulated accreditations that are nationally-recognised and tailored to support staff in advancing their careers.

Propertymark CEO Nathan Emerson said: “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.

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

Since forming less than 18 months ago, the Lomond Group has grown its combined portfolio of rental properties to over 35,000. It operates in major hubs in private rental hotspots including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and York.

Tracey Thompson, head of learning and development at the Lomond Group, said: “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.”