Monday 19 June 2017
Owner and Director of Concentric Lettings, Sally Lawson was welcomed in as the newest President of ARLA Propertmark, succeeding Nik Madan. Sure to be a formidable leader, Sally's career spans 27 years and she has amassed a wealth of experience across the breadth of the industry.
Sally said: "We have a big task ahead of us this year, our industry is in probably one of the most challenging environments I've ever seen. With major legislative changes in Scotland, our members still battling with Rent Smart Wales and in England agents preparing to lose much of their income with the looming tenant fee ban.
"My goal over the next year of presidency is to aid our 9000 members to overcome these challenges, and to help to educate the masses as to the great work our agents do for their clients to keep them safe.
"ARLA has always been the organisation that members turn to for support on regulation and compliance, but I would like to see ARLA also the organisation they turn to to build their businesses, and develop in this ever changing world."
David Cox, Chief Executive, ARLA Propertymark said: “We’d like to extend our thanks to Nik Madan, who has brought a great deal to the role over the last year; his deep understanding of the sector was instrumental in the launch of Propertymark. I am pleased to welcome Sally to the role – she’s a highly experienced individual and is extremely committed to the industry, we are excited to have her on board.”
Claire Lloyd withdrew from the contest to become the new President Elect in order to avoid a conflict of interest following her recent appointment to TDS.
Therefore candidates with the two highest votes were elected, with Peter Savage taking on the role of President Elect and Michelle Niziol being voted in as Vice President.
Peter Savage of Simplify Housing has taken on the role of President Elect for the second time after a vote of confidence by members in his ability and drive. Many of you will already be familiar with Peter, a flamboyant and passionate professional with specialist knowledge in everything from lettings and legislation to off-site construction and we can be sure there will be no let up in the gusto that he will bring to the role.
IMS Property Group founder, and ex-apprentice star Michelle Niziol was announced as the the newly elected ARLA Propertymark Vice President. As voted by you in the members vote, Michelle will now take on the post of Vice President before moving up to President Elect next year and the role of President in 2019.
Michelle qualified as a mortgage broker in 2005 before setting up her own business, IMS Independent Mortgage Solutions in 2008. After gaining her Level 3 Technical Award in Residential Letting & Property Management and Level 3 Technical Award in the Sale of Residential Property she opened up her estate agency and lettings business. She says that the change in direction came about "due to the high demand from my existing client base to provide them with a comprehensive and complete service for all of their property needs."
She now provides clients with a completely bespoke property service and specialises in property buying for investment portfolios.
Michelle writes for consumer publications including ‘What Mortgage’ and is a regular commentator for the Oxford Mail, Oxford Times, The Telegraph and industry magazines.
Commenting on her appointment, Michelle said: “I am over the moon to have been elected to this position. Managing a letting and sales business as well as my own portfolio of buy to let properties, I feel I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with ARLA Propertymark and letting agents across the country. I want to play a key role in driving change in the letting industry for years to come.”
We are very excited for the year ahead and can't wait for Sally, Peter and Michelle to get stuck in to their new roles.
The presidential team will be heading across the country and coming to a Regional Meeting near you soon - so keep your eyes peeled!