The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) welcomes its new president, Sue Hughes-Thomas.

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’s first career was as a children’s nurse, but on returning to the UK after 10 years abroad, she felt ready for a new challenge. This prompted her to set up her own lettings agency, The Home Management Company Limited, in Hertfordshire, with the initial focus of providing a specialist service for people moving abroad. Today, the agency has widened its remit, offering expertise to both landlords and tenants alike, across corporate and private lettings.

Mrs Hughes-Thomas takes over from ARLA’s outgoing President, Lucy Morton.