New presidents for ARLA and NAEA

The NAEA has appointed Michael Jones as the organisation's new president.

Michael becomes only the second person to assume the role for the second occasion, following his previous presidency from 1992 to 1993.

A longstanding NAEA member, Michael began in estate agency in 1971, establishing his own family-run business in Cardiff five years later.

Since then he has been a member of numerous NAEA committees from branch level right up to his most recent position on the Property Standards Board.

ARLA appointed Sue Hughes-Thomas as its new president. Having become a letting agent 24 years ago, Mrs Hughes-Thomas then worked her way through the ranks of ARLA's regional, national and, latterly, divisional councils.

"I am honoured and excited at becoming ARLA's next president," Mrs Hughes-Thomas said. "I'm looking forward to promoting ARLA's remit far and wide, showing people why using an ARLA-licensed agent is so important - put simply, it's the only way to ensure both landlord and tenant are protected

"ARLA as an orgnisation has done so much for the industry - from launching the concept of buy-to-let back in 1995, to leading the way in the regulation of agents by introducing its licensing scheme last year. It's great to be involved."

Mrs Hughes-Thomas takes over from ARLA's outgoing president, Lucy Morton.