Preston Bennett, the Stanmore-based agency, has promoted James Zamchick to the position of new homes manager.

James, 22, who joined the firm 18 months ago, has shown exceptional ability in helping develop and maintain the firm's position as the region's leading new homes specialists.

"Since I joined the company, I have built upon my estate agency sales background and with the help and encouragement of the New Homes team - led by director, Lee Martin -have progressed far quicker than I could have hoped," he says.

James has been involved in many new schemes for developer clients - from initial research to pricing, valuation and consultation, through to taking an influential role in selling the new homes to satisfied buyers.

Meanwhile, Patrick Aitken has been promoted to operations manager at Preston Bennett. He joined the firm from school as an office junior in 2000.