The previous national sales director of Spicerhaart has joined Leaders in the same newly created role.

The firm – as with other lettings businesses Martin & Co and Belvoir – is expanding into estate agency sales.

Kevin Shaw was with Spicerhaart for 15 years and has also worked for Andrews.

He has joined Leaders at a time when the firm is expanding its sales service.

Leaders said it “has assisted landlords in the sale and purchase of property for many years” but has only recently extended its sales service to the general public.

Clare Tobin, chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kevin to Leaders.

“His appointment will enable us to build on the strong foundations we have in sales and take us forward in growing this side of the business nationally.”

Shaw said: “I am excited to be joining Leaders at a time when I can make a positive impact in accelerating the growth of sales.

“Leaders has all the resources in place to be as successful in sales as it has been in lettings – not least a vast knowledge of the local markets in which we operate and an abundance of high-calibre professional staff who are committed to high standards in everything they do.”

Leaders, which has not gone down the franchising route, has grown from a single office in Brighton 1983 to a 90-office network, largely by acquisition.