This week’s Agents MVMT podcast ‘Pass the Syrup’, presented by Ben Madden, features Liana Loporto Browne of Loporto Browne Residential, Kesha Foss-Smith of John D Wood and Jen Jamieson of Fine & Country
In today’s episode guests discuss the recent political point scoring exercise from shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycock, in which he explained that he would prohibit anyone from working as an agent without at least one A-Level, and that business owners and managers should be qualified to degree level.
Guests also talk in detail about the current position of the market and the potential gap between buyer and seller expectations, based on the year beginning with such optimism. What could, and should, agents do to educate all parties and bridge the gap in order to successfully service their clients.
Finally, can an agent operate across both sales and lettings, in this age of ever-increasing compliance? For many, it may well be essential, as the new self-employed model of agency continues to grow.
As always, funny stories are shared and Chris Watkins make his regular appearance.
If you would like to take part in the Agents MVMT initiative, provide a feature or be a guest on the podcast, please contact Ben Madden directly at ben.madden@fineandcountry.com.
At an annual salary of -£86,584- there aren’t many requirements to becoming an MP. The primary criteria includes being over 18 and being a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth or the UK. Having qualifications in law, business, political science or any other related fields is helpful but not a necessity.
So is the proposed legislation (necessity of 1 A Level minimum) a case of bircks at glass houses – and from an MP too. Who would have thought.
With 40 years experience in the sector some of my best colleagues have held the respect of the community with no or very little O Level / GCSE achievement, let alone A Level – so what would The Equalities Act have to say about those who are academically challenged, although excellent at attending to people based businesses, being excluded.
In this context the proposed measure might be regarded as arbitrary and discriminatory. Behaviour revolves around business culture, not how many A levels one does or does not have. I learned as an apprentice which demonstrated education is important, as are practical routes to skill learning and the support of senior management – this MP seems to be making a point well missed. The RICS and NAEA have excellent routes to qualification. Do not let Poppycock deter you.
Chris Thomas AssocRICS and RICS Expert Witness Surveyor
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These comments in terms of qualification levels infuriates me! Does he mean A Level Biology , Chemistry or Maths……. ( as these would have very little impact on an agents ability to do their job!) OR does he mean as I suspect an A Level equivalent which is a Level 3 Property specific qualification such as our CePAP??? In terms of degree … how many business owners will have the time to study a 3 year degree?…Or does he mean level 4 which is a foundation degree equivalent which is available via Propertymark ( and soon with us). In reality qualifications have to add value to the individual and the business and not be just a tick box exercise. This government has not got the best track record with education ( apprenticeships really need an overhaul and schools are crumbling!) and has minimal available active days left ( due to budget, recess etc) before we enter a general election period where I expect we will see complete change.
A level 3 will not be a qualification wasted – it will form a stepping stone for licensing or as I would hope as a priority provide teams with expert and confident knowledge in a trickier market.
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