Warwick Estates appoints new COO

Warwick Estates has hired Bethan Griffiths as their new COO.

Griffiths, who previously worked as an industry consultant and at SDL Property Management prior to that, brings almost two decades of industry experience with her to the role, with previous Warwick COO.

The firm’s former COO, Emma Power, who is now taking on the mantle of company CEO, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Bethan to the team and it’s great to have another female professional occupy such a notable position within the sector, not just for Warwick but for the industry as a whole.

“Bethan’s extensive experience will help shape the way we operate as a company and she will no doubt prove an invaluable asset to the company.”

Both women will play an integral role in the long-term direction of the company, which has undergone an extensive operational overhaul.

Griffiths commented: “Warwick Estates has undergone a considerable change in recent times and I’m extremely excited to join the highly experienced management team that has driven this change.

“We’re passionate about creating an environment that nurtures, develops and creates opportunities for its people whilst also ensuring the customer remains at the centre of everything we do.

“Our aim is to drive Warwick Estates forward and become the respected service of choice to our customers.”

Martin & Co in Lytham St Annes recruits five new staff

Martin & Co in Blackpool has marked the opening of its branch by recruiting five new staff.

Hamza Anwar, already the owner of the Martin & Co office in Blackpool, recently cut the ribbon on his new branch in nearby Lytham St Annes.

And Anwar wasted no time in launching his new venture – bringing in branch manager Hayley Claber, Daniel Sergeant, who will head up the sales side of the business, portfolio manager Megan Caldwell and property managers Faye Strutton and Hayley King.

Reflecting on his new venture, Hamza said: “The St Annes office is particularly important to me as I live in the town, so it has a real sense of coming home.

“The fact that we are able to offer a complete estate agency service of lettings, sales and financial services to my fellow residents can only be healthy for the property market.

“My team and I are fully focused on delivering excellent service, managing properties as if they were our own. I’m a landlord myself and I am committed to providing the best possible service to our landlords, helping them to grow their portfolios as well as managing the properties they already have.”

Anwar opened his first office in Blackpool at the age of 23 and the success of that cold start launch has seen his business grow both organically and, more recently, through acquisitions over the past decade.

Robert Clarke, operations manager for Martin & Co, said: “In the time I have worked with Hamza he has been inspirational in the way that he is driven to develop his overall business. The opening of the branch in St Annes is an exciting development for the business on the Fylde coast.

“Hamza has invested heavily in not only new premises, but also in his staffing and his commitment to recruiting staff with significant experience will help propel the businesses forward apace.

“It is rare to see such a significant volume of additions to a business who all have the experience that the newly expanded team have to offer. The team compliments Hamza’s drive and determination and I look forward to seeing the branch become a dominant presence in the St Annes market.”

Richard Miller joins Spitfire

Spitfire has appointed Richard Miller as land director to its leadership team.

Miller, formerly of Taylor Wimpey, brings more than 25 years’ experience in the property sector, and is now driving forward Spitfire’s ambitious plans to build more than 1,000 homes across the Midlands.

He also worked for Barratt Homes, Chase Midland, Miller Homes, Laing Homes and Bryant Homes.

At Spitfire, Miller will spearhead an ambitious land strategy, tasked with building on a current land spend commitment in excess of £60m and development pipeline valued at more than £350m.

His appointment follows Spitfire’s unveiling of a refreshed brand and range of homes in spring 2021.

Ben Leather, managing director at Spitfire Homes, said: “At the heart of our new strategy is a rising demand among people to live in a Spitfire property from all corners of the Midlands. To meet that very real need and not only deliver on, but exceed, our targets and vision for growth, Richard’s knowledge, track record and passion for the sector makes him the perfect fit.

“His leadership, working closely with the wider Spitfire team, will be vital in securing and driving forward new land opportunities for our business, and we look forward to what we will all achieve together.”

Miller added: “Its [Spitfire] reputation and clear design-led approach, paired with a fresh new direction and appetite to deliver, puts it in an enviable position as housing demand rises in the Midlands.”