Solid market encourages agency expansions

London agent Marsh & Parsons is opening two new offices this month and another in October as the buoyant market in the capital bolsters agency activity.

This month's pair will be in Richmond and East Sheen. Both office sites have undergone a state-of-the-art refurbishment at a combined cost of £400,000, including the installation of a media wall at the Richmond branch.

To mark the occasion, Marsh & Parsons will be offering to sell homes in these areas for a special 0 per cent sales fee for the first three months following the launch - a discount from the firm's standard 2 per cent commission. Both offices will handle sales and lettings.

Meanwhile Fox & Sons estate agency, part of Sequence UK's national network, has set up its own apprenticeship programme for 16-22 year olds.

The programme involves 11 apprentices working as full time trainee negotiators; they will work in branches in south west England and will leave the programme after 12 months with NVQ qualifications.

Fox & Sons south west director Jason Bull says: It's extremely important the apprentices complete the educational side. The discipline and self motivation they will need to complete the qualification will set them up perfectly when working as negotiators in the branch, so we have highlighted this as a key area we hope for them all to learn from.