Managing Director

What do you do?
I started up Property Personnel over 35 years ago, and I am still actively involved in running the business on a day-to-day basis. Whilst I am heavily involved in business development, I also work with job seekers, especially at a more senior level, and have even recently placed several of our clients’ children at entry level! I know I am biased, but I believe we have the best team in the business, and it gives me a great sense of pride knowing that between us we have now worked for Property Personnel for a total of over 90 years!

I love recruitment - it runs through my veins! Having run Property Personnel for over 35 years now, I am still as passionate about this business as I was back in 1988 when I started it. Many of our clients are people we have placed in jobs, many are now great friends of mine, and a good number of them either own their own businesses or are now CEO’s or MD’s of well-known estate agencies.

It’s not all about me though! I believe we have the best team in the business. Allison has worked with me for 25 years, and Georgie for 15. Then there’s Maddie and Charlotte who between them have worked with us for 17 years. I strongly believe that this demonstrates we are as serious about our careers as we are about yours!

On a personal note, I have been married for over 30 years and have three grown up sons, the youngest of which is now happily enjoying a career in estate agency! In the last couple of years we have welcomed 2 dachshunds, Pablo & Dudley, into our household – they are now very much part of our family. My sons and I are all Portsmouth FC season ticket holders, and my other interests include just about all sports, as well as skiing, hill walking, cooking and UK wildlife conservation.

Why property recruitment?
The seeds for Property Personnel were sown at my brothers’ wedding nearly 40 years ago. I got chatting to a couple of estate agency owners who were struggling to find staff and they were bemoaning the fact that there were no specialist recruiters in the sector at the time. That gave me the idea, and following a great deal of research we ‘opened our doors’ in August 1988. The timing could not have been worse as the property market started to crash that month and the UK fell into one of the worst recessions in recent history that continued into the early 90’s!

How has the property recruitment industry changed in the last 38 years?
Too much to talk about! Looking back through our early records, average basic salaries for negotiators were around £4,000, working hours were ridiculously long (often 11 or 12 hours a day), and it wasn’t uncommon to work most Saturdays and even some Sundays. If you earned £25,000 in a year you were at the top of your game. 90% of our vacancies were Residential Sales as opposed to Lettings. Back then, Lettings really was the poor relation, with most estate agencies not even bothering to get involved.

Over the years, there have also been some remarkable changes in the attitudes and expectations of both clients and candidates. Job seekers attending interviews would think nothing of lighting up a cigarette, in fact they were often offered one by their interviewer! Whilst it was often OK to smoke, males attending interviews with facial hair, or females wearing trousers rather than skirts, would often be instantly rejected! Heaven forbid if a tattoo or piercing was spotted. It was also perfectly acceptable to reject a candidate for being too old or too young!

Why do you think you have been as successful as you are?
I think there are several reasons. These include consistency, good financial management, strong marketing and branding, providing an excellent customer experience, and good old-fashioned hard work. To be successful in recruitment, it is all about the quality of your staff and I believe we have the best in the business, with our current team having worked for Property Personnel for nearly 90 years between us.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Watching the career development of people I have placed in jobs over the years. A good number of people I have placed as trainees are now successfully running their own businesses or are very high up in larger estate agencies. Also, many of them have recommended their own children to me who I have helped along their career journeys.

What makes a good client?
One that respects what we do rather than seeing us purely as a commodity, one that wants to partner with us rather than thinking we are a necessary evil. Good communication is also essential, and getting paid for the work we have done helps too! Finally, we like to work with clients who we as a team would be happy to work for ourselves.

We Are Property Recruitment Specialists

At Property Personnel, we pride ourselves on being dedicated property recruitment specialists, connecting exceptional talent with leading organisations across the estate agency industry. With deep sector knowledge and a tailored, consultative approach, we understand the unique demands of property roles, from residential sales and lettings, and property management positions.

Our experienced team of property recruitment specialist work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure the right fit, delivering a seamless recruitment process built on trust, insight and long-term success.

Why Clients Choose Property Personnel

Hiring the right people is critical to the success of any estate agency. At Property Personnel, we act as an extension of your business, delivering carefully selected professionals who align with your culture, standards and ambitions. Our service is built around delivering real, measurable value:

• Access to a network of pre-qualified, high-performing candidates
• Strong relationships with both independent and corporate agencies
• Deep understanding of the skills and attributes needed for success in estate agency
• A tailored, consultative approach to every instruction
• Coverage across Prime Central London, Greater London and the Home Counties.

Why Candidates Choose Property Personnel?

Building a successful career in estate agency takes more than just finding the next role, it’s about finding the right fit. At Property Personnel, we take the time to understand your goals and connect you with opportunities within the Estate Agency sector where you can genuinely thrive. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Access to exclusive estate agency jobs
• Partnerships with leading independent and corporate agencies
• Expert career advice tailored to the property sector
• Support at every stage, from application to offer
• Opportunities across Prime Central London, Greater London and the Home Counties.

FAQs

1. What makes Property Personnel a leading Property Recruitment Specialist?
As one of the UK’s most established Property Recruitment Specialists, we combine decades of industry expertise with a deep understanding of the property sector. With a strong focus on estate agency recruitment, we specialise in placing high-quality candidates from entry level to director level across residential estate agency businesses.

2. Why should I use a specialist property recruitment agency?
Working with dedicated Property Recruitment Specialists ensures you gain access to thoroughly vetted candidates, industry insight and tailored hiring strategies. Our focus on estate agency recruitment means we understand the nuances of the market, helping clients save time, reduce hiring risks and secure the right talent efficiently.

3. What types of property jobs do you recruit for?
With a clear focus on estate agency recruitment, we offer a wide range of opportunities across residential sales, lettings, property management and more. As experienced Property Recruitment Specialists, we work with candidates at all levels, helping them find roles that match their skills and career goals. Browse Property Jobs

4. Who do Property Personnel work with and what do clients say?
We partner with a broad network of corporate and independent estate agencies, reflecting our reputation as trusted Property Recruitment Specialists. Our focus on estate agency recruitment has enabled us to build long-term relationships with leading employers and deliver consistent results. Clients

5. What locations do Property Personnel work in?
We operate across London and the Home Counties. Our extensive network of estate agency and property sector clients enables us to offer opportunities in a wide range of locations, from local markets to major city hubs.