News

John Midgley has been appointed as chair of safeagent’s board of directors.

John has been a valued member of the safeagent board since 2014 and replaces outgoing chair Sheila Drew Smith, who has retired.

John is hugely knowledgeable about the private rented sector (PRS). He retired from Touchstone in 2017, a company he joined as a regional surveyor in 1996 before, with colleagues, acquiring the business and becoming managing director, growing the business from 19 to 300 staff and in the process becoming the country’s largest PRS property manager acting for a wide range of corporate and individual investors in the PRS.

Commenting on John’s appointment, safeagent’s chief executive Isobel Thomson, said:

“We are delighted that John has agreed to become chair. He takes over at a pivotal time for safeagents and the PRS with the Renters Reform Bill and now short-term lets legislation potentially coming onto the statute books. He is committed to ensuring that all involved in the rental process – tenants, landlords and agents – work together for the benefit of all.”

John Midgley, chair of safeagent, said:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take the role of chair at such an exciting time for safeagent, letting agents and the PRS in general.

“I welcome the opportunity to lead the board in making sure that safeagent continues to focus on promoting the provision of excellent and ethical services across our industry and providing innovative and practical services to support those who operate with care and professionalism on the front line.”