Agents Do Charity - and we're back to school, in a go...

Hello and welcome to the end of a busy, busy week for agency news.

It’s easy to assume the agency business is all about how to keep open during the pandemic, about the stamp duty holiday, and about transactions - and of course they’re all important.

But the heart of our business is often found here in the weekly ADC stories of good deeds done by good people. Thanks for keeping our spirits high in difficult times.

Let us publicise your efforts by kindly sending us info on your fund-raising - an email to press@estateagenttoday.c.uk is all we need.

Schools In Lockdown: Now here’s a really worthwhile cause… Estate agency industry suppliers are being urged to support an appeal that aims to raise £50,000 towards providing less fortunate children with laptops and computer tablets.

Well known industry trainer Stephen Brown has launched a Go Fund Me page called Computers for Schools.

Stephen and industry content creator Jerry Lyons came up with the idea during an episode of the Estate Agents’ Podcast - the show was celebrating estate agents who have been supporting their local schools in several ways.

Stephen says: “Many agents across the UK have risen to the challenge of helping schools and less fortunate pupils who don’t have access to essential technology. Now that most school children are learning online in lockdown access to laptops and tablets is essential and thousands of children don’t have them through no fault of their own.

“As suppliers, we wanted to support the local efforts of estate agents by trying to raise £50,000, which will be donated towards providing this desperately needed equipment.”

And Jerry adds: “Agents are doing their bit by donating equipment, money, offering printing services and raising awareness of the issue locally. It’s incredible to see how agents step up when needed, and now we’re encouraging suppliers to do the same and dig deep and help us hit the £50,000 mark.

“This will buy a lot of computers, so children don’t miss out on education. It’s time to put industry rivalries aside and work together for the future of our nation’s children.”

The appeal is supported by several well-known figures in the industry including Christopher Watkin, Simon Whale and the trade media -naturally Estate Agent Today is very keen.

For suppliers who want to donate please click here.

Cold Winters, Warm Hearts Campaign: Here’s a message from Fokrul Islam, managing director of Victorstone Properties and a regular in this column.

“As we draw curtains to our Al-Imaan Cycle Club’s Winter Ride Challenge in support of One Nation ‘Cold Winters, Warm Hearts’ campaign, I would like to thank family, friends, and colleagues for all their support and helping us raise £2,000 for a much needed cause.

“Circa 70-100 plus miles at sub-zero temperatures for a relative beginner was indeed challenging but was equally rewarding! The highlight has to be our Oxford ride in torrential rain via Whiteleaf Hill.

“Thank you again and of course, call upon your support for our next campaign.”

Good luck Fokrul and keep up your brilliant work.

Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital: Martin & Co in Exeter have generously donated two new Apple IPads to the local hospital initially for use in the Covid wards.

“I would like to promote the charity and show in a small way our appreciation of the extraordinary work they and the wider NHS do especially in the current climate” explains managing director Chris Perring.

You can read more about the work that Chris and his team have put in, and their support for this remarkable cause. Just click here.