Durden & Hunt appoints Tracey Stephens as head of compliance
Durden & Hunt has appointed Tracey Stephens as head of compliance as the estate agency continues to expand across London, Essex and overseas.
Stephens brings more than 30 years’ experience in property compliance, governance and operations across the private, public and voluntary sectors.
She joins from Petty Son & Prestwich, where she spent more than six years as Property Maintenance Manager overseeing compliance across a large managed portfolio. She later worked at Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors, coordinating new business opportunities.
Earlier in her career, Stephens held roles with property investment companies, Barking & Dagenham Council, Women’s Aid and supported housing provider Elliot Leigh.
In her new position, she will oversee compliance across Durden & Hunt’s seven branches, with responsibility for regulatory compliance across the firm’s sales and lettings operations and the implementation of company-wide compliance procedures as the business continues to grow.
Tracey Stephens said: “Having watched the [Durden & Hunt] business grow so successfully over recent years, I’ve always admired both its reputation and the exceptional feedback it receives from clients. The opportunity to join a forward-thinking agency with such strong values was one I simply couldn’t pass up.
“Property has always been my passion and compliance is fundamental to building trust, protecting clients and supporting sustainable growth. I’m excited to help strengthen the business as it continues its impressive expansion.”
James Hunt, founder of Durden & Hunt, added: “Tracey brings an exceptional breadth of experience, outstanding technical knowledge and a determination to ensure excellence across every aspect of compliance. We’re delighted to
welcome her to the leadership team as we enter our next phase of growth.”
Sourced Living’s newest franchisees to launch Westminster office
Sourced Living has appointed mother-and-daughter team Deborah and Jameelah Simms as its latest franchisees, with the pair set to launch a new office in Westminster.
The appointment marks the 12th franchise to join the network this year. Deborah and Jameelah completed their induction training on 1 June and are now preparing to begin trading under the Sourced Living brand in Westminster.
Deborah Simms, who has extensive experience in property management, recently decided the time was right to launch her own business and had been aware of the Sourced Living brand for some time.
She explained: “I was looking for a franchise opportunity that would enable me to use my experience and skills to establish and grow my own business, with a view to my daughter taking it over in the future.
“I knew of Sourced Living and was attracted to it because of the strength of its franchise business model and most importantly, its amazing acquisition opportunities. The business model offers a lot of flexibility and will enable us to specialise in managing serviced accommodation, HMOs and holiday lets, which is a perfect strategy for the Westminster territory. We are both very excited about the future.”
Jameelah has a background in business management, as well as outstanding customer service skills, honed from her time working as cabin crew on luxury long haul flights.
“Although I enjoyed that job, I was looking for an opportunity that would enable me to spend more time with my children,” she said. “When my mum suggested a Sourced Living franchise, and we were offered the Westminster territory, it seemed like perfect timing. I am confident that we will work together well, as we have very similar ideas, love challenges and are passionate about what we do.”
She added: “Since the induction training, we’ve been using our knowledge of the area and our networking skills to develop some very meaningful contacts with landlords and tenants in the Westminster area, which we are now following up.”
