Business & People

Echlin has become the first property developer to be appointed a member of UK luxury industry body Walpole. Echlin co-founders Sam McNally and Mark O'Callaghan

Britain's biggest estate agency Countrywide has reported an "encouraging" Q4, despite the general slowdown in transaction volumes and uncertainty around buy-to-let stamp duty and mortgage interest relief.

Architectural interior design studio MoreySmith has just promoted seven members of its 30-strong team to senior roles, with Lesley Kelly taking on the newly-created title of Director of Architecture.

The resi sales department of law firm Winckworth Sherwood has reported a significant boost in business, completing on over £1.3bn worth of transactions in the last 12 months alone.

Jeremy James has returned to the fold after a three-year absence

Housebuilder Weston Homes has brought in a new Commercial Director to cover the Southern Region.

JLL has started the year with a bang, announcing some new appointments, an expansion of its office network, and the launch of a Corporate Relocations department. Laura Ochoa

Chestertons has added two new members to its operational board as part of a raft of January promotions. Guy Gittens

Former Chairman of Tilfen Land

London's biggest indie lettings agency Benham & Reeves is pressing on with its expansion plans, announcing the launch of a new branch in East London.

JLL has hired Savills' David Jubb as Director of a new Greater London Residential Development team.

Strutt & Parker has posted a cracking set of annual results, including turnover of £111.3m (up 9% from 2014's £102.1m) and pre-tax profit of £27.8m (up 13% to £24.6m).