Annie, 28, succeeds her mother Susan Cope at the helm of the Derby-based residential sales, lettings and property management business, marking a new chapter in the company’s 25-year history.
Having joined Cope & Co in 2021, Annie has worked across a number of roles within the business and has played an increasingly prominent part in its continued growth.
A graduate of Nottingham Trent University, she holds an undergraduate degree in Law with Business LLB (Hons), as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Law.
The move represents a significant milestone for the family-run firm, which has grown to become one of the region’s leading independent property businesses.
Annie said taking on the role was both an honour and an exciting opportunity.
“I’ve got a tough act to follow,” she said.
“My parents, Daren and Susan, have put so much time and energy into building one of Derby’s most successful businesses within the property industry.
“They have achieved so much over the last two decades and I can’t wait to bring some fresh leadership and energy to the business.
“I’ll be building on everything that has already been achieved at Cope & Co, with a specific focus on further success and growth.
“It’s a new chapter for the company, and we are absolutely ready.”
A growing Derbyshire property brand
Cope & Co has its headquarters at Canterbury House on Stephenson Way in Derby and specialises in residential sales, lettings and property management.
The company has also recently expanded its physical presence with the opening of a new estate agency branch on King Street in Alfreton.
The move puts Cope & Co back on the high street and gives customers the opportunity to meet the team face-to-face.
Annie played a key role in bringing the new branch to Alfreton.
“I’m really pleased to see Cope & Co back on the high street – with a new office and its own front door,” she said.
“With all the years of experience we have in the Derbyshire property market, we want to offer our personable yet professional approach to a wider client base.
“We know the importance of in-person interactions, enabling our team to understand what our clients need and allowing us to share all the local knowledge we have.
“We have been selling and letting properties across Derbyshire for a very long time. While Alfreton is not new to us, we are still a new name to many people in the town, and that is a great position to be in.
“Putting Cope & Co back on the high street will strengthen collaboration and help us continue building for the future.
“Buying, selling or renting a home is often a big personal milestone, and our new office gives clients the opportunity to build stronger relationships with our dedicated team and receive a more personal service.”
Passing the business on to the next generation
Susan Cope said the leadership change was an opportunity to reflect on how far the company had come and to allow the next generation to take the business forward.
She said: “It is time for the business to reflect on how far it has come and allow Annie to take Cope & Co to the next level.
“I am so pleased for Annie and I wish her all the best.
“Over the years, I have seen her dedication and determination to succeed in the business, and I can’t wait to see her thrive, grow and succeed.”
Cope & Co was formerly known as Professional Properties before undergoing a major rebrand in 2023.
The change brought together estate agencies James Cope Homes and Amber Homes, alongside the company’s residential sales and property lettings operations, under the single Cope & Co brand.
With a new CEO in place and further expansion across Derbyshire, the company is now looking towards the next stage of its development.