Audit heavyweight Joins Propertymark

Darren Kitchenside, who has been at My Deposits for the past 12 years, has joined Propertymark’s audit team as they launch a compliance support service called Calm about Compliance.

Kitchenside managed agent memberships for My Deposits before helping shape their audit department, focussing on agents with high deposits pools as a Risk and Audit Officer.

Propertymark released details of the new service Calm about Compliance in December 2022. It is a service whereby members can choose to be visited by an experienced auditor who will provide support and advice to make sure agents are fully compliant.

Propertymark has said the pressure is on property agents to stay on top of compliance, specifically with the increased enforcement activity from Trading Standards.

Supporting member agents through checking a range of different compliance requirements ensures that any anomalies are identified and discussed, correcting anything that could lead to enforcement action or fines.

Kitchenside commented: “What I like about Calm about Compliance is that it shows the positive connotation of an audit, as many agents don’t think happy thoughts when being audited, but we are there to show members how they and their business can benefit from it.

“With legislation constantly changing, agents need to understand it and implement so much into their daily lives, and Propertymark is here to help them understand why regulation is in place and remain compliant.”

David Oliver, head of compliance, added: “We are delighted to welcome Darren to the Compliance Team and look forward to him becoming an active member of the Audit Team.

“He has brought a different perspective to the Team, given his employment experience, which has already proven to be a valuable asset for Propertymark. I am sure that members will benefit from Darren’s knowledge to help them ensure they are operating to the highest standards that we expect of our membership.”

Sir James Wates to step down as Wates chairman

Sir James Wates has said he will be stepping down as chairman of the privately-owned Wates Group this May.

He will be succeeded by his cousin, Tim Wates, who is currently deputy chairman.

Sir James said: “I have enjoyed my 10 years as chairman enormously, and the time is now right to pass the baton over to my cousin Tim.

“I look forward to continuing to serve on the board and being actively involved in the business, including representing Wates in external forums.”

Tim Wates commented: “It is an honour to be named the next Chairman of our 125-year-old enterprise and continue our tradition of maintaining a long-term perspective and commitment to business as a force for good in society.”

Tim Wates joined Wates in 1993 after starting his career in banking with Cazenove & Co, and has served on the board from 2006 to 2008 and since 2011.

He was appointed deputy chairman in October 2022 and has served as the lead family director on housing issues.

Sherice Neil joins Tuscan Capital as regional sales manager 

Tuscan Capital, the short-term property finance specialist, has announced that Sherice Neil has joined the lender as a regional sales manager for Wales and the South West of England.

Neil joins Tuscan Capital from Hampshire Trust Bank (UTB), where she spent just under a year as head of the new business department within its specialist mortgage division.

She began her property finance career working in the post-completion department of a conveyancing firm for five years. She then joined MT Finance as its first member of staff, starting out as an executive assistant before being promoted to the role of business development manager within her first year. During her nine years at MT Finance, she ended up as its Head of New Business.

Neil joins the sales team at Tuscan Capital and will be responsible for developing and maintaining key accounts in Wales and the South of England and supporting brokers during the loan process.

She reports into Colin Sanders, Tuscan Capital’s CEO.

Colin Sanders, CEO at Tuscan Capital, said: “We have been looking for an experienced bridging professional to cover the Wales to London/M4 Corridor region for a while. With Sherice’s all-round experience, energy, and her local knowledge and empathy, I have no doubt she will be a big hit with intermediaries and fit in really well with the team here at Tuscan.”

MJ Gleeson announces directorate update

MJ Gleeson, the low-cost housebuilder and land promoter, confirms that, as previously announced, the following Board changes have taken place

• Dermot Gleeson, non-executive Chairman, retired from the Board on 31 December 2022
• James Thomson succeeded Dermot Gleeson as non-executive Chairman with effect from 1 January 2023
• Graham Prothero joined the Board as Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 January 2023

The next trading update in respect of H1 FY2023 will be issued on 13 January 2023.