A quartet of property experts are heading for the top as they progress through major professional qualifications..

Assistant Lettings Manager of Durham-based Estate Agents J W Wood, Andrew Wilkes, who started his career within the organisation aged just 16, is now studying for a degree in Estate Management.

Andrew, 22, of Durham, who is following in his father footsteps, is working in residential lettings alongside studying for his degree at Northumbria University.

Andrew said: “I really enjoy my job. I like meeting people and looking after them. There are never two days the same and there is always something different to deal with, the prospect of being a qualified chartered surveyor is exciting.”

Three other members of J W Wood’s lettings department are also studying for qualifications.

Manager of lettings Nicola Hall is studying for NVQ Level 3 in business management, as is assistant property manager Claire Wilson.

Claire, from Durham, said: “Sometimes it is difficult to balance work, studying and looking after a young family – I enjoy the challenge particularly as J W Wood is considerate and flexible towards the demands of modern family life.    

Student Property Manager Dawn Pirie is studying for a degree in Business Management.

Dawn, 24, said: “I really like being able to put into practise what I’ve learned at university, it really helps with my job and with clients too. I look forward to developing my career with JW Wood.”

Nicola, of Chester-le-Street, said: “It’s really important that the staff get involved in developing their qualifications; it’s a really good thing that they want to better themselves. It’s also good for the company too that we are up to date on procedures and legal aspects of our work which means our clients can rest assured they are in very good hands.”

Managing Director John Burton said: “We have an outstanding team and I am delighted that they are not only excelling in the performance of their business duties but that they are also developing their knowledge and skills which can only benefit them as individuals and JW Wood.”

John added: “I would like to take the opportunity to thank our lettings team for the help and assistance they have given to many local flood victims who were recently left homeless.

“We have been actively working with them and their insurers to ensure that they are able to move quickly and without any unnecessary delay.”

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