A new area manager has been appointed at Connells, marking a comeback for Jonathan Mortimer.

Mortimer, who is charged with strengthening Connells’ Milton Keynes network, started his estate agency career with Connells.

He was a negotiator in the High Wycombe branch in the 1980s under the guidance of then branch manager Stephen Shipperley, who is now Connells Group chairman.

Mortimer spent 17 years with Connells working his way up through the ranks before leaving to run his own estate agency, Mortimers in Aylesbury.

Now, after 20 years, he rejoins Connells, after Mortimers became a lettings-only business.

Shipperley said: “Jonathan’s enthusiasm, great work ethic and genuine interest in people made him stand out the first moment I met him.

“We are therefore delighted to welcome him back to Connells. His experience, character and attitude is a real asset to us and, having previously worked at Connells, Jonathan already knows our business inside out.”

Mortimer said: “Rejoining Connells has given me a fresh challenge and allowed me to get back on the ‘shop floor’.

“Having worked on ‘both sides of the fence’, I’m thrilled to be back. Due to the breadth of expertise within the business and spirit of opportunity, Connells is the only corporate agency I would want to work for.”