Gary Murphy joins Savills auctions team

Savills has recruited Gary Murphy, one of the best-known and highly-regarded figures in the industry, to the role of director within its growing auctions business.

Murphy joins from Allsop, where he founded the firm’s residential auctions team 37 years ago, having first stepped up to the rostrum the previous year.

2022 was a record year for Savills Auctions, with over £455m raised, a 30% increase on the previous year. The firm’s seven auctions year to date have raised a total of £260m, up 25% on the same period in 2022, as its live stream online format continues to gain momentum.

Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, commented: “Gary brings an unrivalled depth and breadth of experience and we are thrilled that he has agreed to join us.

“Our live-stream web auctions platform is working extremely well for clients selling both residential and commercial assets. It means our sales access far wider audiences than can be reached through the traditional ballroom setting and has accelerated the growth of our auctions business.

“Building on the appointment of three new team members last month, this senior hire underscores our commitment to optimising client service and to growing market share.”

Murphy, director, Savills Auctions, said: “I am immensely excited to be joining the Savills auction team. They have demonstrated rapid growth thanks to their unique live stream auctioneering expertise and I look forward to helping them achieve even greater success.

“I have had a long and hugely enjoyable career at Allsop. After four years as a consultant, I feel that my time there has reached a natural conclusion and I am now relishing this new challenge.”

In June, Savills announced three experienced new hires to its auctions team: Sam Harborne who joined as director following 20 years at Strettons; Max Mason who joined as associate director focusing on commercial assets, following five years as head of LSH Auctions; and Steven Cane, also from Strettons, who joined as an associate focused on commercial.

Propertymark names new chairman and board members

Propertymark has unveiled its new chairperson and board members during its annual general meeting.

Bill Butler replaces Nicky Heathcote in the role of chair.  Butler has held a number of non-executive roles and is currently a board member at The Law Society and at Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board.

He was previously chief executive of the UK private security regulator, the Security Industry Authority, and held senior roles at the Gambling, Healthcare, and Audit Commissions. He has been an accountant since 1982 and was admitted as a Chartered Security Professional in 2014.  He said: “It is a privilege to chair this pivotal industry body, especially at such a crucial time for the housing market.   “I look forward to working with members, the board and the entire team as we look to further develop Propertymark and its offerings for members.”

Alongside the announcement of the new Chair, two new members of the Propertymark Board were revealed with Stephen McCarron elected to represent NAEA Propertymark members and Allison Thompson will represent ARLA Propertymark members.

New ARLA Propertymark president Greg Tsuman and new NAEA Propertymark president Michael Holden have taken office to speak on behalf of members as Propertymark’s lead ambassadors.

Tsuman said: “With so much happening within the letting sector, I’m so excited to be stepping into the role as President for ARLA Propertymark to help influence and make real change – I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Holden added: “I’m really honoured to be joining the NAEA Propertymark team as president and I hope that my knowledge of the commercial and real estate professional sectors will provide a more joined-up approach to working practices across the sales sector.”

Megan Eighteen was announced as elected vice president for ARLA Propertymark and Mary Louise-Press was elected for NAEA Propertymark.

Sarah Tuer obtains Fine & Country licence 

Sarah Tuer, who has worked with Fine & Country in the Northumberland area for the past 16 months, has taken the leap and obtained the licence for Northumberland and Newcastle.

Operating as Fine & Country Newcastle and Northumberland, Tuer says she made the decision because of the opportunities the brand offers.

She commented: “Being able to offer our clients first-class presentation, service and exposure is our priority – Fine & Country enables us to expose our clients’ properties to the worldwide market, gaining maximum exposure and achieving the best price for their homes. The support, marketing campaigns and being a part of such a prestigious brand is extremally valuable to our business.”

She added: “Given that we have one of the largest areas covered by a Fine & Country office, we are lucky enough that we are able to sell an array of different properties.”

Tuer and her team, includes her daughter and colleague Sophie Luhr.

Nicky Stevenson, managing director of Fine & Country, said: “I am delighted that she has decided to take on the challenge of running a license for the Newcastle and Northumberland areas. I am sure she will continue to increase brand awareness in the north of the UK and grow her business within the premium market with the support of Sophie, the Fine & Country network and of course head office.”

Mindy Pearson appoints Dacre, Son & Hartley

Mindy Pearson has joined Dacre, Son & Hartley in York as a senior sales negotiator.

Pearson, an experienced estate agent, will responsible for liaising with both buyers and sellers in her new role , as well as hosting property viewings and supporting the office’s branch manager and wider team to ensure transactions run smoothly.

She said: “Moving to Dacre, Son & Hartley is an opportunity to join a very reputable and independent business and be part of its growth in York, which makes it both a challenging and exciting role.”