One of the industry’s most respected figures, Frank Webster, has joined the Property Academy as a ‘trusted adviser’.

Webster is vice-chairman of Oxford lettings agency Finders Keepers, which was last year bought by Countrywide.

Webster will continue in his role at Finders Keepers and work with non-competing Property Academy members for two days a week.

Peter Knight, founder of the Property Academy, said: “Frank has been instrumental in building one of the very best lettings agencies in the UK and he’s highly regarded by everyone in the industry.

“He brings a wealth of experience of lettings and property management not only from Finders Keepers but also from his interest and experience of businesses across the world.

“I know our members are going to be thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Frank to improve their lettings operations.”

Webster said: “I’ve enjoyed 35 incredible years at Finders Keepers and look forward to continuing to work with the team and our clients.

“To have the opportunity to also work with the Property Academy and their members is very exciting.

“I’ve been a member of the Property Academy for four years so am very aware of the issues and opportunities the sector faces right now and I’m really looking forward to helping members address these challenges and profitably grow their businesses.”

Other trusted advisers at the Property Academy include Dale Norton (founder of Romans), David Pollock (former CEO of Greene & Co) and Peter Rollings (former MD of Foxtons and Marsh & Parsons).

The advisers work with Property Academy members at select group meetings and individually, although some have non-compete clauses with their former businesses.