Bring on agency regulation and training, say new industry chiefs

The agency industry’s new leaders for the coming year have expressed strong support for reform recommendations promoted by the Regulation of Property Agents’ working party, currently awaiting implementation by government.

The new leaders have been named as Liana Loporto, President Elect for NAEA Propertymark and Stephen McCarron, vice president. 

And David Votta has been named Vice President for ARLA Propertymark, working alongside Maxine Fothergill, President Elect.

Loporto has over 22 years of property experience, having worked both in large corporate and boutique agencies. She started her career in Malta, before relocating to London and working as sales and operational director at an independent agency in north west London. 

She recently set up her own company - Liana Loporto Property - and is described as “a huge believer in Regulation of Property Agents and the importance of qualifications.”

McCarron has been a prominent figure in the property market in Northern Ireland for 30 years, starting his career at Nationwide Estate Agents, working his way up to eventually open his own agency, Donnybrook Estate Agents, in 1997. He too is a keen advocate of RoPA.

Tim Balcon, Propertymark’s new chief executive, says: “These agents are all experienced property experts working in different markets across the UK, their input on behalf of members is crucial in directing Propertymark’s focus. I look forward to working with them to ensure that we understand members needs and address the issues they face.”

Meanwhile on the lettings side David Votta started his career in 2009 as a trainee lettings negotiator for Wards in Kent, before moving onto Spicerhaart as a senior lettings branch manager and then setting up his own agency in 2018. He has been a regional representative for ARLA Propertymark for over four years.