Women in Residential Property network grows

Women in Residential Property (WIRP), which aims to encourage collaboration between those involved in residential property transactions and improve networking opportunities for women, has grown to over 300 members since lockdown began.

Members of WIRP used to meet several times a year for networking lunches. The pandemic led to the group rapidly adjusting their strategy and moving to zoom meetings. Several meetings have taken place over the summer with speakers from organisations, including, Agents Together, SDL Surveying and Lloyds Bank giving updates on everything from mortgage lending to housing market conditions.

Attendees at recent zoom meetings have welcomed the new format; Hilary Grayson, Director of Surveying Services at SAVA and long term WIRP supporter said: “I’ve said it before, but this is probably the best networking group I’ve been involved in.”

Launched in 2017 by Emma Vigus, Managing Director of mio, WIRP is designed to appeal to a wide audience of women working across all facets of the residential property transaction from Estate Agency through to Surveying and onto Mortgage Lending. Sponsored by SDL Surveying, Groundsure Lawyer Checker, tmgroup and mio, WIRP has raised over £3,500 for the charity, Ella’s, which provides invaluable help to women who have been the victims of trafficking or slavery.

Let Leeds Rebrands to HOP

HOP stands for “Home of Property” and the new name signifies a step change for the business, both in terms of service offering and strategy, to underpin its foothold in the Leeds property market.

Over the last decade Let Leeds has grown its lettings business quickly, managing a £156m residential property portfolio and 2,500 residential tenants and from its two branches in Central and West Leeds

Alongside the award-winning lettings division, HOP has launched a new residential sales arm and block management department, to provide a complete suite of property services all under one roof.

Luke Gidney, MD of HOP said; “Whilst the Covid-crisis has been a challenging and worrying period for business owners, we are excited about the launch of our new brand and service offering.

“These are interesting times for the property market and our business. The new HOP brand better reflects who we are today and what we can offer, by way of a new and more centralised approach to property services.”

The business now employs 22 people and aims to cement itself as the go-to agent for property management, sales, refurbishments and block management.

New Director of Corporate & Relocation Services at John D Wood & Co

Tanya Hasking returns to the business having previously held the role of Regional Lettings Director at John D Wood & Co. and associated brands APW Property, CHK Mountford and Vanet, following her career within the John D Wood & Co. group since 2009.

She will lead the Corporate & Relocations department to support blue chip clients and embassies to relocate their employees.

Polly Ogden Duffy, Managing Director said: “Tanya and I have worked together for 10 years so welcoming her back to the John D Wood & Co. family will further strengthen our leadership team and will bring a new focus to this important area of our business.”