Gemma Dawe, from Windermere, started Lake District Relocation in 2020, helping to match people with homes in The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, and over the summer she has been working with a very special mentor in the form of well-known industry figure, Phil Spencer, who co-presents Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location alongside Kirstie Allsop.

Gemma made the connection through charity Agents Together, which helps property professionals in their career progression and offers them mental health and wellbeing support.

“I was very lucky that Phil volunteers with the charity and offered to take somebody under his wing and that was me,” said Gemma.

The pair have been getting together regularly online but met face to face for the first-time last month when Gemma attended the Propertymark Qualifications Awards, where she was a finalist in the Learner of the Year category.

Phil Spencer was hosting the awards which were held in the British Museum last October.

“It was fantastic to finally meet Phil face to face because the mentorship he has been offering me has been so helpful,” said Gemma.

“It’s really helpful because you’re talking to somebody who has been there and done everything you’re doing before. He has obviously got a huge amount of experience and knowledge to share, and he’s walked a day in my shoes. The conversations we’re having are hugely beneficial.”

Gemma was nominated for the award following her work to gain a level four qualification under the Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) framework, which was introduced to ensure people working in the industry are qualified, licensed and adhere to a strict code of practice.

Agents Together was set up by Michael Bruce and a team of well-known industry professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic to help estate agents dealing with the effects of lockdown.

“There have been plenty of tough times for people working in the industry over the last few years,” said Gemma.

“There are still plenty of challenges on the horizon as well and so it’s great that there’s an organisation out there like Agents Together which is offering some help and support.”

As well as being mentored by Phil, Gemma is also mentoring another property finder through the charity who is starting out on their career in another part of the country.

“It’s great to be able to give back to somebody,” said Gemma.

“It’s a chance for him to learn from my experience and it helps me review and look back on my own career and learn as well.”

The image of Gemma and Phil came with the press release but EYE could not resist including this photo from the Lake District Relocation homepage: