The insurer claims, controversially, that agents will not get pay-outs because Government did not 'mandate' the closure of branches.

Michael Sams put Birmingham agent Stephanie Slater through a horrendous four-day ordeal before releasing her after a £175,000 ransom was paid by her employer.

Isle of Wight estate agent Sebastian Drewell is to complete 300 hours of unpaid community work and have ten points put on his licence instead.

The Countrywide closures saga continues after one of its agents on the Isle of Wight became the latest to have branches closed and staff redeployed or put through a consultation process. Watson Bull…

Each month we visit three agents across the country to discover what is happening in their businesses and local markets. This month we visit Kent, London and the Isle of Wight.