Property People: Andrew + Ashwell; The Agent

Leicester commercial property agent Andrew + Ashwell (A+A) hired two new faces and revealed a promotion.

The firm has recently added new faces Jef Bale and Harry Brown to the specialist team at the London Road A+A office, while Kelvin Wilson has been promoted to associated director.

Malcolm Grayson, A+A director, said: “Difficulties remain in the retail sector, which has longer restructuring pain to come in the face of online competition. But office demand has held up well, with rents and prices largely remaining stable, although working patterns have seen staff operating from home to a mixed degree.

“Industrial/warehouse has shown strong demand and under supply. Where land is available, new industrial development is coming forward in response to heightened rents and capital values.

“With good prospects ahead we are delighted to take on board new people, at the same time encouraging personal development among our established team, which can only be good for the future of A+A.”

Jason Swift

East Midlands-based estate agent The Agent has expanded into South Nottinghamshire after taking on a new regional representative to meet growing demand across the country.

Jason Swift has been added to the team to lead the expansion. He has almost 20 years’ experience in the sector and moved to Nottingham in 2016 after working in the London financial district.

Swift said: “The Agent does most of its work digitally, which makes this a fantastic way of working – without the constraints of a physical office. We’re not lost in corporate red tape and our hours are flexible to meet the needs of clients. This gives the team freedom to keep getting sales agreed when many agents are shut. “