The Office Agent’s Society (OAS) National Committee has voted Will Foster of Knight Frank as its new Chairman.

"I am delighted to take on the role of Chairman and will be looking to build on the excellent work of my predecessor, Philip Papenfus.

Given the difficult market conditions we find ourselves in, the OAS will be seeking to promote its members as an important "value added" element of the property process for clients, who in such times need agents as much as we need them.

Key areas we will be giving much attention to during 2009 will be:

• Further initiatives to aid the flow of information between members, creating a more efficient marketplace for all and allowing better advice to be given to clients.
• Ensuring that the regional OAS membership continues to grow, plus sharing ideas and initiatives
• Building stronger links with the West End and City agents' societies
• Ensuring the excellent educational/CPD programme is continued and targeted towards areas of current interest

In these challenging times we will also be looking at ways to ensure OAS members that have fallen victim to the market downturn are kept "in the loop".

I look forward to hearing from you with any thoughts you have on how the OAS can best serve all of our interests in the coming months."