One of our Yorkshire sales advisor will be one of the first in the country to gain an Association of Professional Sales (APS) qualification.

Alannah Smith, based at the Castle Hill Grange development in Hull, is part of an elite group of colleagues completing the course which sets new industry-leading standards. 

Earlier this year, we were the first housebuilder to announce a partnership with the national chartered body that represents careers in the sales sector.

The new qualification complements Persimmon’s national sales development pathway, ensuring all sales advisors follow a business-specific programme of continuous professional development.

Hull-based Alannah was delighted to be selected as a pioneer of the course, which is being rolled out nationally across the 31 regions.

She said: “Before joining Persimmon in 2020 I had been an estate agent for many years, so I felt I had a clear understanding of customers’ needs and expectations. However, this course is enhancing my sales approach and providing me with greater skills.

“As part of the course we are required to complete homework, which initially felt strange but really helps me to focus on the syllabus, so I gain more from the tutorial sessions.

“The online learning structure works really well as you get to meet sales advisors from many other Persimmon regions and can easily share your learnings.

“I am looking forward to continuing with my studies to achieve the recognised qualification and accreditation.”

Scott Waters, managing director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be working with such an industry-leading organisation as APS to help strengthen the continuous professional development of our sales team, that will ultimately help build stronger customer relationships.

“In addition to Alannah, we are pleased that two other of our sales advisors have also successfully begun the course, with more enrolling on the programme in the future.”