The Hannell Street firm was founded by industry veteran David Podmore, who remains a director and licensee, but it is now being managed by his son, Heath.

"I've grown up with [Dad], driving around in the car and talking to people, you learn by osmosis," says Podmore jnr, who did a bachelor of construction management at the University of Newcastle.

With a background in tier-one building and construction, he has held management roles with Abigroup, Baulderstone Hornibrook, John Holland and Lend Lease nationally.

REN Property is the new business brand, with its vision being to "elevate life" with its customer promise of "honourable property dealings".

"We are trusted advisers and we treat clients with empathy and deliver great service," Heath Podmore says.

He says the business's transparent, values-driven approach stems from his own values system and his belief that there has been a lack of transparency in property, with "agents not listening, dishonest appraisals and little white lies".

Though he acknowledges this is not the case with all agents, Heath Podmore maintains it is widespread and says REN Property finds it unacceptable.

The boutique business has also added a dedicated commercial arm, REN Commercial, which dovetails with his construction background.

He's kickstarted the commercial activities by bringing on board Reece Harrison, who has been working in the property industry for the past 12 years.

A licensed sales and leasing agent responsible for appraising, listing and marketing all types of commercial, industrial, retail and development sites for sale or lease, he also advises and negotiates on greenfield development sites.

Harrison's local and national clients include three of the Big Four banks, Hewlett Packard, ARTC, Australia Post, Bunnings, various government departments, investors and developers.

"REN is proud to offer a commercial team that is unrivalled in the greater Newcastle area, or for that matter the country," Heath Podmore says.

ACCOUNTANCY LINK-UP

COME November, veteran Newcastle accountancy Crosbie Warren Sinclair is joining forces with DFK, an international affiliation of accountants and business advisers.

Approaching its 50th year in business, CWS is celebrating the past but also planning for the future, partner Jason Bartlett said.

DFK International brings to CWS the resources of more than 380 offices in 70 countries and as part of DFK's Australian and New Zealand operations, CWS will be able to expand the specialist services that it offers clients.

"We are feeling very positive about the opportunities for growth and shared knowledge," Mr Bartlett said.

NADIC APPOINTMENT

BILL Sharland is the new national development manager at Toronto-headquartered Nadic Insurance Brokers.

In the newly created role, Mr Sharland will be responsible for driving new business by developing and implementing sales strategies, identifying new distribution arrangements, further developing business partnerships with insurers and managing customer relationships.

Nadic chief executive officer Dallas James said Mr Sharland's solid industry experience - he has previously held management roles at NRMA and CGU - would be invaluable to clients and the business as a whole.

Operating since 1966 as a general and retail brokerage, Nadic also has offices in Sydney and on the Gold Coast.

ADVISER UP FOR AWARD

ELLIOT Watson, an adviser at Newcastle Financial Planning at The Junction, has been selected as a state finalist in the Value of Advice Awards run by dealer group Charter Financial Planning, which has almost 800 financial planners operating under its licence.

Elliot was selected as a finalist for his role in assisting a Newcastle woman who had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome and discharged from her police officer role in Sydney.

She was about to receive two financial payouts, which would have incurred major tax implications, with Elliott's tailored financial plan providing an immediate saving of $70,087 and potential total savings of almost half a million dollars.

He will find out on October 10 if he's made it through to the national finals.

PAINT WORK STANDS OUT

CENTRAL Coast firm Callaghan Painting and Decorating has won three awards at the NSW Master Painters Association Awards for Excellence.

Headed by Ben Callaghan, the firm won for its classy paint job at the 10-storey Essington Apartments in Newcastle East, winning regional commercial project of the year, texture coating and a multi-unit residential repaint worth over $100,000.

FREE LUNCH SEMINAR

KING Street accountancy and business advisers Leenane Templeton is hosting a free lunch seminar for business owners to help them identify the key elements of an effective sales presentation to help boost sales and increase cash flow.

The event is on October 10, with Lead Australia's Peter Daniels in the presenter's chair.

RSVPs to 4926 2300 are essential.