Claire Hardwick joins husband, David, at Poole estate agency
Claire Hardwick, previously of associate director at Goadsby in Poole, has joined Hardwick Estates.
Hardwick, who has 13 years experience in the residential property sector, will be in charge of residential sales, valuations, viewings, negotiations, offers and support throughout the sales progression process at the estate agency, which was founded by her husband, David Hardwick, 18 months ago.
She commented: “With 13 years of experience in the industry and a strong foundation in property I am looking forward to joining my Husband, who founded the business, to expand and grow together. This marks a meaningful new chapter for us both professionally and personally with a shared vision.
“I’m looking forward to driving growth and bringing my enthusiasm, together with my passion for exceptional customer service, to continue building strong relationships with our clients.”
David Hardwick added: “Claire brings a huge amount of experience, particularly when it comes to looking after clients and making the whole process as smooth as possible.”
“Aside from being married, we have professional skill-sets that complement each other.”
“Hardwick Estate Agents has always been about offering a friendly, personal service, and bringing Claire into the business feels like a natural step.”
“Working in a family business means everything we do feels that much more personal. We genuinely care about our clients and their homes and that really shines through in the way we work together.”
Fred Jones to lead Outra
Outra, the household intelligence brand, has announced the appointment of Fred Jones as CEO.
Jones takes up the position alongside his existing role of chief executive at sister brand Upstix.
He will oversee the strategic direction of the business and will work as part of the senior leadership team which consists of Graham Field, Leo Xiong, Ryan Sheild, Jack Edwards, Ryan Ginbey and Tom Nicholson.
Jones said: “We are at a very exciting moment in time where Outra’s unique data asset and advanced technologies can solve the very real challenge of signal erosion, and we are very well positioned to accelerate our growth and strengthen our position as industry leaders.”
NHQB appoints board to oversee Shared Ownership Code
The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has appointed a Board for the Shared Ownership Code, who will oversee its governance and strategic direction, helping ensure the Code delivers on its purpose of standardising best practice and consumer protection for shared owners.
This follows the NHQB’s recent appointment as the Code Operator, after a selection process led by the Shared Ownership Council initiative, which concluded in October 2025. The Shared Ownership Code Board is made up of a wide range of individuals who each bring a wealth of experience and representation – spanning housing, consumer bodies, and finance – which will help the Code ensure transparency, fairness and improved support for shared owners.
+ Andrew Greenwood, Deputy Chief Executive of Leeds Building Society
+ Anita Khan, Managing Director of Sparrow Shared Ownership
+ Gavin Smart, Chief Executive of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
+ Gillian Cooper, Independent Member of NHQB Board, and Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee, Citizens Advice
+ Paula Higgins, Founder and CEO of HomeOwners Alliance (and former Shared Ownership Council Board member)
+ Russell Baldwinson, Executive Director of Development & Investment at LiveWest
+ Steve Moseley, Group Executive Director of Governance and Transformation at L&Q.