Estate and letting agents will receive greater support to help them through existing operating challenges brought about by Covid-19 after Propertymark teamed up with Ellis Whittam.

The partnership means that Propertymark’s nationwide membership now has access to 24/7 on call legal advisory advice, as well as a range of online tools and templates to assist them through the coronavirus crisis.

Ellis Whittam will help agents maintain legal compliance and uphold best practice in their duty of care as employers.

A library of guidance documents will be available via the Propertymark website and members can contact a legal advisory team via telephone or email to seek advice around employment law, HR, and health and safety matters.

Ellis Whittam’s existing customers include more than 17,000 businesses and organisations across the UK, thanks in part to partnerships with several other trade associations and professional membership organisations, such as the National Pharmacy Association, National Hairdressers Association, and the British Independent Retailers Association.

Gavin Snell, chief executive at Ellis Whittam, said: “We’re proud to be working with Propertymark – an organisation with whom we share many of the same principles, in championing professionalism and ensuring best practice and compliance.

“As estate agents, letting agents and auctioneers get back to business, the new advisory service will help employers to feel supported, not just with the challenges of people management, but in ensuring their business practices remain COVID-secure.”

Tim Balcon, chief executive at Propertymark, added: “We’re thrilled to introduce the benefits of this partnership to our membership.

“Ellis Whittam offers an ideal blend of professional expertise to ease the management of people and premises, so that our members can concentrate on building their businesses and serving customers.”