Against a background of rising unemployment in the North East it’s good to see companies actively investing in the recruitment and training of young people. One such company is the Your Move Estate Agency franchise Chris Stonock.  From data released by the Office of National Statistics, 11.5% of people in the region are now seeking work against a national average of 8.2%. Between December 2011 and May 2012 that’s a rise of 6,000 people and is among the worst figures for around 17 years*. Ian Cavagan, Area Sales Director, of Your Move said “the property market has been tough for almost 5 years so it’s a very challenging environment. Understandably many companies have cut staff and development programmes but we felt with properties harder to sell we needed to increase training and recruit people with energy and drive. So, we came up with the idea of having our own Academy. Not a new idea but introducing an Academy in one of the toughest property markets for decades certainly was a little different.  Most recruits are graduates but it’s open to anyone who can demonstrate enthusiasm, ambition, energy and drive and a commitment to learn. We want to offer great customer service because that’s what you need when selling and letting houses. Gone are the days when estate agency was a matter of listing a property and relying on strong demand to create the interest. Great marketing and high levels of customer service are now pre-requisites to achieving a successful sale, so we are investing in local people who are committed to making this happen”. Vikki Todd, Operations Manager at Butterworths Solicitors, is a regular guest speaker at the Training Academy and stated “The Training Academy is a fantastic way to develop young people and work with them to improve their core skills and understanding. I thoroughly enjoy working closely with Your Move Chris Stonock to ensure their property professionals are trained to understand the legal process around property sales, auctions and lettings”.  Chris Stonock started his Estate Agency network in 2007 with 47 employees, the number currently stands at 60. In January this year a new branch opened in Durham City bringing his network up to 8 branches, these branches work alongside other Your Move branches to provide extensive coverage across the North East property market. For more information please contact your local Your Move Chris Stonock branch. Some of the Academy members with Area Sales Director Ian Cavagan, centre back row     *http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2012/05/17/north-east-unemployment-numbers-still-rising-61634-30986428/   

Succession Planning at Your Move for their circa 130 branch based Mortgage / Financial Consultants Back in quarter one of 2011 Your Move saw the introduction of their new "Executive Financial Consultant" roles. The role is in essence there for two main reasons. Firstly, to upskill our very top performing Financial Consultants (FCs) who have been earmarked for progression within Your Move's award winning financial services division. Secondly, to attract frustrated top performers from our competitors who find themselves facing no real prospects of advancing their career, hitting that all too common glass ceiling. The Executive FC role offers a defined career path ensuring that the often intimidating step into management is now far less daunting. So what does the role consist of? Mortgage and protection advice is still the day job taking up most of the Exec's time with the rest of the week dedicated to mentoring a number of existing FCs or even trainees that have joined us through our successful SC2FC trainee programme. James McNee (from LSL's Talent Acquisition Team) reports that the executive role has been a brilliant recruitment and retention tool for Your Move. Many top performing advisors craving the next step in their careers claim that the role offers the best of both worlds, offering both the satisfaction to see the team you've mentored hit their numbers, whilst still enjoying the "thrill of the sale" with your own customers. An initial concern was raised when the executive role was formed with sceptics citing that sales would suffer - "The exact opposite happened!", says Simon Cox (National FS Director Your Move) who reports that the hallowed "executive" status seems to further invigorate the Execs who in most cases actually produce even more business. For information regarding nationwide opportunities within Your Move's Financial Services division please contact james.mcnee@lslps.co.uk or visit the Your Move Careers website.  

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