Former Savills associate director joins self-employed agency network
Mark Chick, formerly an associate director at Savills, in Salisbury joins Moveli to represent clients across Wiltshire and North Dorset
Chick brings more than 25 years’ estate agency experience, with a career spanning both the London and country markets.
His background includes senior roles at Bective Leslie Marsh in Notting Hill and, most recently, Savills in Salisbury. He also established and ran his own successful Wiltshire independent agency, Manningford
Croft, which he sold in 2024 after 15 years.
Ben Littlewood, co-founder and co-CEO of Moveli, said: “We’re seeing increasing numbers of experienced agents leaving leading corporate estate agencies to join Moveli.
“We see ourselves as the upper-market brokerage for an industry that is transitioning from the traditional high street agency model. We offer experienced agents a simple, and credible platform to run their
own enterprises, earn more and operate in a way that is better suited to their lives.
“Mark is another great example of that shift, and we expect the strong growth we’ve seen this year to continue through the autumn.”
Chick’s appointment comes as Moveli continues to expand its national network, which sits at almost 100 brokers, with an average of approximately 20 years’ industry experience.
Former Chancellors director joins BidX1 to drive acquisition-led expansion
BidX1 has appointed former Chancellors group operations director Darren Simpson as UK managing director as the digital auction firm targets further expansion through acquisitions and agency partnerships.
Simpson joins with almost four decades of experience in residential property and will oversee BidX1’s UK growth strategy, including identifying acquisition opportunities, expanding its regional auction teams and developing its estate agency referral network.
He spent more than 16 years as group operations director and co-owner of Chancellors, helping to grow the business to 58 branches before its sale to Leaders Romans Group in 2025.
Simpson’s previous roles also include chief operating officer at Foxtons and managing director of Gascoigne Pees and Carson & Company for Countrywide.
He also worked internationally as European general manager for Dubai-based developer DAMAC Properties.
BidX1, which is backed by private equity investor Pollen Street Capital, operates a digital property auction platform and is looking to increase its regional presence across the UK.
Simpson said: “What attracted me to BidX1 was the combination of genuine ambition and the backing to deliver it.
“We’re looking at growth on multiple fronts. That includes expanding our regional auction business through acquisitions, growing our agency referral network and investing in talented people who want to be part of a business that’s changing how property is bought and sold.”
BidX1 chief executive Jonathan Fenn commented: “Darren is one of the most experienced operational leaders in UK residential property.
“His track record of scaling businesses, leading high-performing teams and delivering growth makes him the ideal person to lead BidX1’s next chapter in the UK.
“We have ambitious plans for the business, and Darren’s experience, commercial expertise and leadership will play a key role as we continue to invest in our platform, our people and our regional presence.”
Pocket Living founder Marc Vlessing steps down as chair
Pocket Living founder Marc Vlessing is stepping down as chair of the London residential developer after more than two decades with the business.
Vlessing, who co-founded Pocket Living with Paul Harbard, will leave the role on 30 September and focus primarily on his position as senior partner and co-owner of investment and advisory firm Namier Capital Partners.
His departure completes a leadership transition that began in April 2024, when Vlessing moved into the chair role and chief executive Paul Rickard assumed operational responsibility for the business.
Vlessing said: “I am enormously proud of everything we have built together over more than two decades and this feels like a natural moment to focus on the next stage of my career.
“When I took on the role of chair in April 2024, the intention was always to complete a structured handover and ensure the business was in strong hands – and it is.
“Paul Rickard and the Pocket team have demonstrated the leadership and creativity this company needs to grow to the next stage of its development.
“Pocket remains a business with purpose at its heart, with a brilliant team and a model that continues to offer one of the best solutions to London’s housing challenge.
“I leave with great confidence in Pocket’s future and am looking forward to the next chapter with Namier Capital, which I have joined as a Senior Partner and co-owner, as well as my other advisory work in the public and private sector.”
Rickard commented: “Marc’s contribution to Pocket Living – and to London housing more broadly – is simply extraordinary. He and his partner built a business from scratch, invented a product category, and proved that doing the right thing and building a successful company are not in conflict.
“The transition we have been managing since April 2024 has been deliberate and smooth, and I am grateful for Marc’s support throughout. The team, the vision, and the next stage of Pocket’s growth are all in great shape, and we look forward to the next chapter with great excitement.”
Former housing minister and former Pocket non-executive director Nick Raynsford also paid tribute to Vlessing, highlighting his role in developing the compact housing model and overcoming planning and financial barriers during the company’s growth.
He said: “Having developed more than 1,800 homes, with schemes in more than half of all London boroughs, Pocket Living is now well placed to expand its output both in London and more widely.”
