Peter Knight, who co-founded Agents Giving 11 years ago, is stepping down as chair.

He is succeeded by industry heavyweight Michael Stoop who is also non-executive director of The Property Ombudsman Scheme and chairs the TPO industry forum.

Knight said: “Agents Giving is now firmly established as the estate agency industry charity and is assisting agents across the country to raise up to £1m a year for many good causes.

“We’ve set up several key initiatives such as the current Donate a Coat campaign and Donate a Food Parcel project, as well as making grants available for agents to enable them to fundraise for the charities and causes closest to their hearts, but I feel we’ve just scratched the surface and there’s so much more the industry can do.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have several key people support Agents Giving, and one of these stalwarts, Michael Stoop, is taking over the chair role with immediate effect.

“Michael has asked me to continue as a director which I’m pleased to do and of course I will continue to support the charity in any way I can.”

Stoop said:”I have been very involved with Agents Giving for the last nine years and I hope I can continue the fantastic work that Peter has been so instrumental in achieving for this wonderful charity.”

Knight’s final role as chair was to announce the Fundraising Champions Awards at Friday night’s Agents Giving Ball.

Winners included: Thomas Morris, the Do it for Dom team, LCA Jobs, Embrace Mortgage Services, Relocation Agents Network, Spicerhaart and Paramount.

Agents Giving supports agents with their fundraising by providing grants to help cover their costs so that every penny raised goes to the charity of their choice.

Congratulations to Olivia Snow of Hamptons International who won Friday night’s Agents Got Talent competition with her version of “Don’t Rain on my Parade”.  She was outstanding,  as were all the acts.