Throughout our network of six office branches we have a total of 39 members of staff who form a dedicated sales team,” says Geoff Graham, pictured, the joint Managing Director of JW Wood.

“Intriguingly, whilst we have some relatively new members of staff, a number have been with us for some considerable time – in some cases 30 to 40 years plus.

“I personally started in agency in 1973, straight from school, and am always interested in encouraging young people to join the industry. Hence we have some apprentices coming through the ranks at the moment.

“It is vitally important that a team works well together and focusses on its duties and responsibilities.

“The work of an estate agent is both wide and varied, with a number of different functions and tasks required on a property-by-property basis.”

As well as front line sales staff and a team of dedicated valuers, JW Wood also has a number of additional job roles. These include:

• Accompanied viewing staff who play a vital role in the organisation, assisting clients of both occupied and unoccupied properties.

• Mortgage advisors who provide independent financial advice and access to money-saving mortgage deals.

• Administration staff, without whose assistance the sales team can’t work efficiently.

• Sales co-ordinators. A vital part of any sales team, they handle the transaction once a sale has been agreed, liaising with all parties including solicitors until contracts are exchanged and the sale is complete.