Estate agents have raised a total of £430,000 worth of new business across sales and lettings thanks to a ‘prospecting’ competition.

It was hosted by Agency Mentors and software provider Reapit.

Over 40 candidates from across the UK battled it out in Reapit’s regional leagues before the best performers and highest performing runner-ups engaged in the final round.

The competition was based on the number of market appraisal appointments booked and instructions won by each of the participants over an eight-week period.

The overall winner, Adam Jennings from Chestertons, was awarded with a trophy that is a replica of football’s Champions League trophy and tickets to any sporting event up to the value of £1,000.

Jennings said: “I’m really proud to have won. Last year I won Chestertons manager of the year which I figured would be difficult to top, but this might just do it!

“When I was put forward for this competition, billed as ‘the best of the best’, I knew it would be extremely challenging. Estate agents are a competitive bunch, and to beat my peers from all over the UK is an honour and something I’m incredibly proud of.

“My greatest success was through mining archived and historical data which proved to be a gold mine.

“I’ve won 30 new instructions during this competition which will generate £60,000 when they all let.”

Scoring was done on a points basis; points were awarded when market appraisals were booked and instructions won.

Handicaps were also applied to create a level playing field so that agents from any sized company, operating in any area, could fairly take part. Over the course of the competition a total of £430,000 worth of new business was generated across sales and lettings.

The competition began with a prospecting training course delivered by Stephen Brown and Iain White from Agency Mentors who provided participants with prospecting tips and dialogues to help them improve their ability to open conversations and close deals.

White said: “When it comes to prospecting, agents should allocate a specific time every day for call-out sessions and create an unbreakable routine that forces you to succeed.

“Once the routine is established, stick to it rigidly, and never allow an excuse to get in the way. If possible, managers should make the routine communal with colleagues to add a competitive edge. Results should be measured and shared.

“For leaders who say they can’t get staff to take part – are you doing it yourself? Soldiers watch what the general does, so sharpen your skills at prospecting and lead from the front.”