Pictured above: Melanie James

Melanie James a Worcester based sales agent with Parkinson Wright Estate Agency has successfully passed an NFoPP Technical Award in the Sale of Residential Property. This well-respected Award is not only a nationally-recognised industry qualification but is also an entry requirement of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) - the UK's leading professional body for estate agents which regulates, guides and assists property sales professionals.

Melanie who started her career as a Secretary at a Worcester Agent many years ago, has been working as an estate agent in the area for over 20 years. Mel has fitted in her studies around her full time working day and busy family life and having been in the business for so many years was delighted that the opportunity was given to her to gain this qualification in approx 9 months.

Melanie of Parkinson Wright Estate Agents said: "I decided to start studying toward this qualification as a result of an opportunity given to me by The Gold Standard and I am thrilled the hard work has paid off and I have secured the Technical Award. For me, it is not only a personal achievement but evidence of our professionalism as an agency, showing our clients that they are dealing with someone who is knowledgeable and who they can trust to do a good job."

Sandra Timmins, Estate Agent Manager who works alongside Melanie at Parkinson Wright said: "We could not be more proud of Melanie's achievement. We strongly believe Worcestershire  vendors and buyers will be in support of an agency that is staffed by hard-working property professionals of intelligence and integrity, like Parkinson Wright."

Melanie is amongst the steadily growing number of agents across the UK who are working with NAEA and the NFoPP to become qualified and raise standards within their field.

Elizabeth Richards, Head of Legal and Policy at the National Federation of Property Professionals states: "I heartily congratulate Melanie on her achievement and hope to welcome her to full NAEA membership in the near future. In an industry where standards can vary greatly between member and non-member agents and agencies, obtaining this Award represents not only Parkinson Wright's dedication to developing as an agent but also her commitment to working to the high industry standards which the NAEA seeks to promote."