Jonathan Hopper, managing director of Garrington Property Finders, has been elected to the board of the Property Ombudsman.

During his six years at the helm of the national buying agent Garrington, Hopper has grown the business to become one of the largest independent firms in the sector, helping buyers to identify and purchase homes across the UK.

His appointment to the TPO board reflects his experience as a sector specialist and the rising influence of buying agents in the property industry.

Hopper, who has previously contributed to the drafting of TPO’s Code of Practice for Residential Buying Agents, will now represent the property finding sector on the Ombudsman’s decision-making board.

Hopper said: “The property industry is increasingly recognising the efficiency that buying agents bring to a property transaction, and ever more buyers across the price spectrum are discovering the buying power that we can offer them.

“So it’s little wonder that the buying agent sector is the fastest-growing area of the residential property services industry.

“I’m proud to be representing Britain’s buying agents at the heart of the Property Ombudsman, and am keen to ensure that we continue to operate to the highest standards.”

Ombudsman Christopher Hamer said: “This is a very positive move. Jonathan’s appointment ensures the board represents the whole industry, and his experience as a buying agent will be very valuable, contributing to the wealth of experience across all agency disciplines.”