Winkworth launches franchisee talent drive

Winkworth has launched a talent drive to find rising stars to build a career and a business within the franchise network. 

The brand said it is searching for talented, entrepreneurial individuals to offer the opportunity to earn shares based on performance, with a view to becoming a franchisee. 

Dominic Agace, chief executive of Winkworth, said: “With a significant amount of consolidation in the market, this is a good time for ambitious property professionals to consider the clear career path they can enjoy with Winkworth.   Those selected for the talent programme will be fast tracked to running an office, where their performance will be rewarded with equity.   
 
“Many agents start their careers in a corporate environment and then quickly become aware that they don’t have much control over their future progression. For those working for small independent agents, there often isn’t a clear trajectory for advancing their careers, when they are working for a business created by owner managers. 

Agace said Winkworth has already identified a number of future stars who, in return for outstanding performance, will be rewarded with shares to encourage them to build a profitable business and take charge.

This includes Rob Oatley, 41, who has worked for large corporates and online agents during his 20-year career in property.

He has joined Winkworth to run its Pimlico office and will receive performance related equity, 

Oatley said: “This is such a good option for me, with a super incentive of earning a share of ownership. I am an employee with the autonomy to run the business and get rewarded with the ultimate goal of owning the franchise.   

“Winkworth is an outstanding brand, with an exceptional digital presence and network, plus the support of head office. I have control over marketing, expenditure, fees, and recruitment. This appeals to my entrepreneurial nature. I want to build a successful business which is part of a greater entity, while being rewarded for my hard work.” 
 
In South-east London, 30-year-old Jake Woolford runs Winkworth's Crystal Palace office and is another rising star who will receive performance-related shares in the business.

Jake started his career at Winkworth doing work experience in the Notting Hill office. After university, he joined the network and rose quickly to become assistant manager at the Kennington office. 

Lucy Britton, head of talent and recruitment at Winkworth, added: 'We will provide all the assistance and advice needed to our future franchisees to plan for the growth and success of the business. 

“Winkworth will also consider support for existing agents by topping up their funding to ensure they can purchase their own franchise, as well as helping existing franchisees to expand by acquiring offices where the owner might be looking to retire.”