Paul Hawes, lettings agent at Hamptons International’s Church Road, Hove, office has successfully passed the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFoPP) Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management.

The award is not only a nationally recognised industry qualification but is also an entry requirement of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) – the only professional, self-regulating body specialising in raising and maintaining practice standards in the UK private rental sector.

Paul said: “I have been working as a letting agent in Sussex for the past 12 years and, although I passed my advanced ARLA exams in 2006 (becoming a Fellow of ARLA), I decided to start studying toward this qualification as a result of my career move to Hamptons International, 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.”

Karen Standing, regional lettings director who works alongside Paul at Hamptons International said: “We could not be more proud of Paul’s achievement.

“We strongly believe that Brighton and Hove landlords and tenants will vote with their feet in support of an agency that is staffed by hard-working property professionals of intelligence and integrity, like Paul.”

Elizabeth Richards, head of legal and policy at the NFoPP added: “I heartily congratulate Paul on his achievements.

Obtaining the NFoPP award represents not only Paul’s dedication to continue developing as an agent but also his commitment to working to the high industry standards which ARLA seeks to promote.”